Triple Engine Boat

Ford 302, sat for roughly 6+years water pump was bad, overheated and blew headgasket, got new impeller, I rebuilt top engine timing correct at 10deg and firing order 15426378 triple checked. It pops thru carb like before. but at a high rev. (3.5grand - 4 grand) engine seems to run so much smoother. it also backfires thru carb while starting some of the time. So am I wrong to think it's the gas? or burn valve they seemed fine when I had them shaved.
Ford 302, sat for roughly 6+years water pump was bad, overheated and blew headgasket, got new impeller, I rebuilt top engine timing correct at 10deg and firing order 15426378 triple checked. It pops thru carb like before. but at a high rev. (3.5grand - 4 grand) engine seems to run so much smoother. it also backfires thru carb while starting some of the time. So am I wrong to think it's the gas? or burn valve they seemed fine when I had heads shaved.
no wires crossed I already cked over and over just to make sure that was not a cross wire situation before I rip heads off again.
when I launched it Monday it had popping issues but not on a steady time. and there where a few times when the boat seemed to grow nuts and pull the front up like it should when taking off. and then sputter and go back to abnormal. However, it never stalled out or quit running.
I bought this as a project. and now want to put her back to her glory days:)
and I rebuilt the carb on sunday too. and changed the oil after new head set gaskets.

1. compression test. you may have a valve sticking after so many years of sitting. ATF, automatic tranny fluid slowly poured through the carb as it runs can help free the valve(s) up. it will make a LOT of smoke too, but i've seen dead cylinders from a sticking valve after 10 years of no use come free and the motor begin running like it hadnt sat. (sticking valves is part of why winterizing is good to do every year, fogging the motor is part of the process, this leaves a light coat of oil on everything that would normally be dry.)

2. get rid of the old fuel. 6 year old gas you shouldnt of even tried to use. you may also need to use some carb cleaner, maybe even disassemble and clean after 6 years.

3. check plug wires are on properly.

4. double check ignition timing.

2010-09-28 16:52:05 by Carl H

Amazing ride filmed during a demo at the 2008 Miami Boat Show - Feb '08. Boat was fully fueled with 5 people on board.