Almost there and then

[THEFERMANATOR]

Well I was hoping to take my HYDRA for it's first trip this weekend, but it decided otherwise. I started the day off by removing the engine to replace the aluminum around the transom due to corrosion. Got the new one cut and re-installed, and decided to add in a reinforcement bar on the upper 2 bolts. Got it all back together and the upper 2 bolts were too short now. After almost an hour of searching looking for 2 new bolts($12 for 2 bolts) I was able to actually mount the engine. Well it has BRASS locknuts on them and one strips out when tightening it back up, so I install stainless. So I'm almost ready, just need to install the float switch.

Well I try to start it and it doesn't want to kick over, check everything over and decide the starter is the dragging. Pull the starter off and figure it might need brush's. Pull it apart and find that the brass bushing in the end cap popped out and drove itself up into the armeture windings, and let the armeture flop around and break both magnets. Plus the brush's are shot. So now I need a new starter, no saving this one. So now an aftermarket starter will set back anywhere from $100-$250 depending wether I go with super cheap generic EBAY or an ARCO unit. And I still have to go down and give the tax man his money for registration and such. It just never ends.

[charlie_the_tuna]

nope, it dont.

[macojoe]

If I didn't have bad luck, I would not have any!!

[rb437]

I think my signature line says it all.

[willy]

Even when new they get ya, good luck Ferm

[THEFERMANATOR]

Well I went and rigged the starter up so I can at least run it some. I put it in the pond behind the house so I could do some trailer work on it. I got to run it in the water, and it doesn't want to idle with backpressure on it. Plus when the idle gets down below 800 it knocks like he!!. So it looks like I will be tearing into the powerhead soon to see if it has a cracked piston skirt. So much for that just rebuilt engine line he gave me. I'm not the sueing kind, but I may be pursueing a small claims suit against him for lying and misrepresentation. I new I should have sea trialed before buying, but he said he was just to busy to do it right now. I think I need another hobby, boats just don't seem to be for me. I'm going to take it out tommorrow and see just how bad it is, and get a feel for how much time I have before I have to crack it open.

[randlemanboater]

Try the small claims, if that doesn't work get Willy to come down and take it out of his hide.

[Blue_Runner]

Dang dude...I was gonna say just wrap a rope around the flywheel and put that starter on hold but sounds like you have other problems. Man I hate to hear it Ferm. You deserve better bro. Best of luck and let us know if we can help in any way.

Blue

[nymack66]

Ferm, If you need a replacement engine , I have a 1977 v4 140 25" , complete with all parts looks great and clean , I got a steal on it , was told it needs a pack , Its all yours for free , well kinda , I will just pick your brains from time to time on my 87 v4 140 , You have provided great help and this is my pay back time !! I can send you pictures if you need em

[THEFERMANATOR]

This is one of those times where a compression test isn't always right. It has good compression 82-90 across all holes, but you can't measure crankcase compression. The engine sounds fine at 1100+ where it runs on the hose, but once it drops down knock knock. I should have known better than to take his word, but he seemed upfront and honest. Oh well ,looks like I found a replacement powerhead already. Just waiting to see how it goes on Ebay. I do still have my 85 140 that is pretty potent, but these hulls need at least 175HP to really perform. There about 500 pounds heavier than a V-20 with a variable deadrise coming out close to 19 degrees at the transom, but ALOT in the bow area. And I don't trust other peoples rebuilds for just this reason. You can tell it was recently apart, but who knows what they did in there(obviously not what was needed).

And thanks for the offer NYMACK, you can still pick my brain for free. Just don't pick too hard, there aint much there.