New Powerhead?

qdive1 · #1 05-10-2011, 09:55 PM

Hey Guy's I'm a newbie to this site and just bought my first boat. A 1986 V20 Step/Lift in very good condition with a 1986 Evinrude 150 all original as it came from the factory. The only problem so far is a big one, I did not do a comp. test on the motor when I bought it as it ran great on the guy's driveway until I took it out for the first time 3 weeks ago. It was a bit rough to start up at the doc but It got up on plane quick with what seemed like plenty of power to me I thought but at WOT would only do 4100 rpm @ about 29 mph (GPS) and after 10 min. or so lost power down to 3000rpm at WOT and totally stalled and would not start. I was able to get it back running by choking it and I returned quickly back to the dock when it stalled again when I idle it to try to load it on my trailer. Bottom line, #5 cyl has only 20 lbs of compression and metal fragments on spark plug, all other 5 at 65-70 lbs comp. My question, I can’t afford a new motor at this point and my thoughts are if I buy anything used for $ 3500 or so which is what I can really afford at the moment It would be a roll of the dice that I get a good motor. I was thinking of doing the powerhead from a local guy here in Tampa, he asking $2380 with a 1 yr. warranty and he does all the work I just take him the boat. Is this a good price?, I would think it would be like an almost a new motor and I would know all major components had been changed, ie: new pistons, rings, bearings ..any Input would be appreciated as it's a big chunk of change any way I go but I really like the boat and think it's worth it.

Thanks !!

nymack66 · #2 05-10-2011, 10:29 PM

Welcome to the site..Nice Boat..I will recommend you call and ask for Vaun, be sure to let him know Andrew from Orlando sent you. He is an honest and trustworthy fellow I can say that much, he sold me my replacement powerhead no complains period... http://www.powerheadexchange.com/

qdive1 · #3 05-10-2011, 10:48 PM

Well, I just met Vaun today and that***8217;s the company I was referring too. So they are good at what they do?,,, he did seem very knowledgeable about my motor and had an Idea of why that happened,,, also had all the machining equipment there at his shop in the back. I appreciate the comment Andrew.

willy · #4 05-11-2011, 06:59 AM

If you got a reputable guy like Mack says then that is the way to go. You will have a known good running engine which is 90% of boating's headaches and you will not get that known entity for anywhere near that price in an used engine, unless you buy it from your Father. Just the way it is.

RWilson2526 · #5 05-11-2011, 07:31 AM

Welcome to the site...sorry about your engine....Its a real killer when that happens right out of the gate. On the plus side that is one clean looking boat you have there and on top of that 86 is the best year ever (of course I'm biased)!

reelapeelin · #6 05-11-2011, 07:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by qdive1

Well, I just met Vaun today and that’s the company I was referring too. So they are good at what they do?,,, he did seem very knowledgeable about my motor and had an Idea of why that happened,,, also had all the machining equipment there at his shop in the back. I appreciate the comment Andrew.

This is a good example of the value of this forum...confidence in buying from an unknown from someone w/a track record...

That IS a nice V20 you've found there and yes, I agree w/Willy...sounds like a good way to go...that he is right there in your area is a real PLUS!!...let us know how your experience goes and hey...some more pics of your boat would be appreciated by all here...

qdive1 · #7 05-11-2011, 09:29 AM

Yes, I should have done a compression check right there, But it had been sitting for 10 months' it could have been that way or It happened when I took it out the first time. Vaun seems to think it might have been a needle valve on the lower carb got clogged and that cyl. ran without fuel and got too hot. But I think 4100 rpms is a little low at WOT when I first opened her up, should it not be around 5,000 rpm WOT ? I don***8217;t know about these big V6 motors, do they run that high of RPM ?

Thanks for the comment on the boat, yes those photos are from last month 04/11 I bought it from the son of the original owner so it had been in the same family for 25 yrs. I will definitely add some more pics... Thanks guys ! this type of support is truly helpfull !

reelapeelin · #8 05-11-2011, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by qdive1

Yes, I should have done a compression check right there, But it had been sitting for 10 months' it could have been that way or It happened when I took it out the first time. Vaun seems to think it might have been a needle valve on the lower carb got clogged and that cyl. ran without fuel and got too hot. But I think 4100 rpms is a little low at WOT when I first opened her up, should it not be around 5,000 rpm WOT ? I don’t know about these big V6 motors, do they run that high of RPM ?

Thanks for the comment on the boat, yes those photos are from last month 04/11 I bought it from the son of the original owner so it had been in the same family for 25 yrs. I will definitely add some more pics... Thanks guys ! this type of support is truly helpfull !

I ran an 86 Evinrude 150 on my 1st V20...honestly don't remember RPMs at WOT...probably 5800 or so...but I am sure 4100 is way too low and indicative of a problem...you should find out for sure soon; one of the guys who KNOWS what max RPMs are on that motor will pop up and let you know...you need to know that in order to be sure you are spinning the right propeller...very important to getting all performance and these days the best fuel efficiency from your motor...

THEFERMANATOR · #9 05-11-2011, 11:01 AM

I'm just up the road from you a ways in Zephyrhills. I saw that boat on CL and had a bad feeling about it from his descriptions and emails. I haven't dealt with Vaughn in years. He used to have a great reputation in this area, but about 4 years ago I know he lost his big shop he used to have and some other financial problems. I hope he got everything straightened out as I used to do quite a bit of business with him(I now deal directly with the suppliers when I need parts). Sounds to me like the engine was carboned up and you stuck a ring in it. If you're interested I have a 225 I'm getting ready to rebuild that I could set you up with a deal on. It was a memberss engine here and it also stuck a ring from carbon build up and lost a cylinder. From the sound of your compression figures, I would guess at the minumum your going to need all 6 bored and rebuilt if not at least 1 sleeved.

qdive1 · #10 05-11-2011, 10:17 PM

So do you do your own rebuilding? what year is the 225 and how much would you want for it? it might be too much on fuel/power for my boat? the transom seems strong but like I said new to this and not sure on that one.,..