not achieving wot 1986 crusader 454's

[sammi]

I have crusader 454's in my 1986 tiara 3100. The summer before last I could run them to 4100-4200 rpm. last summer they would only turn up to 3600 rpm. I have a clean bottom and running gear(freshwater). Nothing changed from last year. A new edelbrock on one side, original rochester (but rebuilt) on the other. New fuel filters on both sides. Newer electronic ignitionboth sides.They run great otherwise. After winterizing, I decided to change the rotor and cap. I was shocked how much corrosion was present on the "contacts". I'm embarrased to say the rotor was actually cutting a groove in the corrosion! The engines always started and ran fine so I never suspected anything there. Could that be the cause of the lack of wide open throttle or is the distributer cap sort of a "it works or it doesn't" deal?

 

[fastjeff]

Very possible. I guess checking them will now be on your reglar maintenance list!

Jeff

 

[sammi]

I guess so! The new ones i found have brass contacts. The old were aluminum so jopefully that will help.

 

[makomark]

BRASS = MARINE = minimal corrosion. That could be the problem. may wanna check the plugs and the leads, too.

 

[sammi]

I replaced the plugs about 25 hours ago. they look like new. when i bought the boat it had the retrofit delco voyager marine distributer kits on them. I dont know if they were original or not.

 

[Docksidemarineservices]

A bad dist cap will reduce your RPM's.