LouC wrote:
Do you have the one piece instrument cluster (looks like a car instrument panel) instead of the separate gauges that boats usually have? If so they do sometimes have problems and there are postings on the forum on how to get the gauges working. Always check the sending units first because they can fail as well. Some have converted the one piece unit to a more conventional boat dashboard with separate gauges. You definitely want that temp gauge working because with boats, if the raw water impeller is worn you can have overheating, and not only will the engine overheat, but the exhaust system which is water cooled can overheat too and burn up the rubber exhaust tubes. That can be dangerous because it can let water in the boat.
The backfiring could be old fuel. I'd add some premium gas to what you have in the tank to raise the octane level some because stored gas often is lower in octane which is not good for the engine. I'd also think about changing the fuel filter (the big one that looks like an oil filter). You need an oil filter wrench to remove that filter. When you do that be careful as it will be full of gas. If you have a large glass jar, pour the gas into it and let it sit. If you see a layer of water at the bottom of the container, it is probably water in the fuel and you might think about getting the gas tank cleaned out. When you replace the filter, fill the new one with gas and make sure to put oil on the gasket. Filling it with gas makes the engine easier to start after replacing it because the fuel pump does not have to fill the filter full of gas.
Good luck with the boat, they are good boats but they all need maintenance. Since it's a new to you boat, having a good marine mechanic go through it is a good idea, unless you have owned boats before and know how to check everything yourself.
Thanks for the advice!
The instrument cluster is separate (as the cap'n pointed out above). I took a look at the back of the gauges and I am going to try to test them out with a multimeter this weekend. I will also try the premium gas when I fill up this weekend. Hopefully it will clear it up. I'll also check out the fuel filter!
I am going to get the maintenance history from the marina where I purchased it. I am fairly sure it was well cared for judging by the shape it is in, but it is always good to double check!
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