www.iFourWinns.com

Well, ordered the new prop the other day (thanks to all who put in their 2 cents about it), and was feeling good when I went to work on my Horizon 180LE today.

On the menu, set/verify initial timing, check oil, clean and grease tach fittings. Those of you who followed my "Prop Swap" thread know that i was having tach issues.

Well, warmed the boat up, got the ignition shunt out and went to work. Ignition shunt did not work as terminals C & D were not jumped. An hour to figure that out, then back to work.

Timing marks are worn, timing it was a bitch but I think I got it close. Once timing was set (or as close as possible), went to work on the tach.

My tach problems apparently stemmed from 2 issues. First, it was set to 4cyl rather than 6 (4.3L V-6). Reset it to 6 then re-timed the engine, which led to problem 2. Engine's running, set the timing, felt happy with how it was running. Went to turn it off, noticed the temp gauge was near pegged. Dumb Ass (that would be me) forgot to turn the water back on to the outdrive. F@CK!!!!!!!

So, in a very panicked way turned the boat off, turned the water back on, let it run for a few, then started the boat. Everything "seems" fine, but dammit I know better than that. So, guess I'm pulling the impeller casing to see how bad I chewed up the impeller. It only ran that way for a minute or two, but DAMN!

Then, after all this sh!t, I calm down enough to go back to the tach and clean the connections, the tach breaks in half LITERALLY. It apparently had separated from the faceplate at some point, the PO merely threw some glue on it and then glued it back into the dash.

So, new tach ordered, timing set but at what cost to the engine, now have to pull the impeller case, change oil and check for other damage.

Someone remind me why I want/need a boat?!?!?!

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"Every normal man must be tempted at times to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin to slit throats." - H.L. Mencken

I wouldn't worry about any engine damage but that impeller is burnt. If the gauges are Faria they have a lifetime warranty. Every boat store carries impellers and some of the good ones are usually open til at least noon on sundays. If you REALLY want to go boating tomorrow West Marine should have it too. If you run automotive gas it's better the timing is a little more advanced then OEM, any hesitation you might have will vanish.

I don't see anything out of the ordinary other then I bet you'll never make that $50 mistake again. Old boat, stuff breaks, previous owner had an African Engineering degree. Very common that's why it's so hard for me to find a good used boat to purchase.

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1981 Columbia 8.7
2015 Yamaha FZR - 87mph - sold
2006 Yamaha GP1300R - sold
2003 Chaparral 215 SSI - sold
2009 Stingray 195CS - sold
2000 Four Winns H180 - sold
1976 O'day Daysailer II - sold
Rick's Four Winns H180 Mods/Upgrade Thread

Well, I may have got lucky on this one.

After running it (with water this time) and letting it cool down I pulled the impeller to check it and the casing. Impeller was still in excellent shape (it only has about 4 hours on it) and the casing showed no signs of scoring or burnt rubber.

I still cleaned it out and relubed the impeller (with glycerine). It seems to be OK. I won't know for sure 'till I take it out next time, but by all appearances it's GTG.

Ordered a new tach, it'll be here Wednesday.

*sigh*

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"Every normal man must be tempted at times to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin to slit throats." - H.L. Mencken

I had to put all new gauges in my boat...

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1981 Columbia 8.7
2015 Yamaha FZR - 87mph - sold
2006 Yamaha GP1300R - sold
2003 Chaparral 215 SSI - sold
2009 Stingray 195CS - sold
2000 Four Winns H180 - sold
1976 O'day Daysailer II - sold
Rick's Four Winns H180 Mods/Upgrade Thread

I guess it's like the golfer who gets a hole-in-one just once in a lifetime, but that is enough to keep him golfing.

For us, a perfect day (or week) of boating with no issues is like that hole-in-one

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"Knot Easy" 2000 Horizon 240 Volvo 5.7GS /SX
tow: 2017 Honda PILOT EXL-AWD
prev. boats:
'87 Chaparral 198CXL 4.3 OMC Cobra
'69 Jetstar 16ft Ski Boat, 115hp Yamaha
'68 Aluminum Jon Boat, 3hp Sears
'64 Water Wings

I quit playing golf 5 years ago!!!!

_________________
"Every normal man must be tempted at times to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin to slit throats." - H.L. Mencken