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WATERSKI MagazineQ: I recently bought a 1980 MasterCraft with 1,200 hours. I am considering upgrading to a breakerless point system as I do a major tuneup. (I recently got stranded when I had water in my distributor cap.) Will I get a significant benefit from the upgrade ($90 mail order)? And since the engine is completely stock, what other modifications, if any, would you recommend?
Andy Macha
N. Charleston, South Carolina
A: A breakerless system can still be affected by moisture. When your engine cools, it can be vulnerable to condensation both internally and externally. Over a period of time, enough moisture can build up inside the crankcase. As the engine heats up, the moisture turns to steam, vents up the distributor shaft and collects in the cap, causing electrical arcing.
The remedy is simple. Change your oil and start propping up your motor box to vent the engine until it cools down. This will stop the condensation.
If you experience the problem again, spray a light film of electrical insulator spray, such as WD-40, into the cap to displace the moisture. This is only a temporary fix, however.
Q: We ski the summers in Lake Tahoe, elevation 6,200 feet, with a 1988 Ski Centurion with the Indmar/Ford 351 engine. Because of the altitude, we probably lose 20-25 percent of our normal horsepower. Is there a recommended propeller type for our setup that would increase the hole-shot and still deliver decent top-end performance for those long cruises across the lake? Also, is there any economical way to upgrade our current engine to add horsepower that is lost in the higher altitudes?
RMBags
A: A standard 351 is designed to have a maximum rpm level of 4,200 to 4,500 rpm. It should be propped to do just that. If at sea level your engine is within this range when using a 13 x 13 prop, try a 13 x 12 light cup propeller at altitude. I recommend decreasing pitch and cup just a little at a time until the desired rpm is achieved. Remember, the engine will not breathe as well at altitude, so the 4,500-rpm level may not be achieved without losing top-end speed. As you decrease pitch, you improve the bottom end and lose top end. So be careful not to go too far. If you wish to increase horsepower, you can purchase a pair of GT-40 heads. While this may not be too economical ($1,500-$2,000), it will give you 30 to 40 more horses and the maximum rpm level can increase to 4,500-4,800 rpm. For more info on engine upgrading, call Discount Inboard Marine at 800-892-4084.
