Thread: Please! Need Some Info On Motor Repair.

If the engine runs better with the fin off, I would run it that way. Those 4 holes mean nothing to the performance of the engine. They are drilled through the cavitation plate. To say that those 4 holes in the cavitation plate somehow void the warranty of the engine is a stretch. That is a cop out in my opinion. Many boat engines have those fins attached at the boat shop. Does that also mean that those engines have no warranty?. Unless you are having trouble with the engine running or something else major, don't sweat it. You don't need warranty work anyway. It maybe be that you are slightly under powered for the boat and it just can't get over the last little hump to smooth out, thus it porpoises. That maybe what you are left with if that is the case. If you have power trim on the engine, some wedges that tilt the engine further under the boat transom at low tilt might help. Wish I could offer more but I am no boating expert on setup.

don't think that those holes would be the reason for poor performance. sounds like a power pack or dead cylinder to me. would start with plugs, then wires, then powerpack. but would not go power pack route until i made sure gas, carb, etc were in proper working order.

The holes shouldn't void the warranty on the entire motor. Google the "Magnuson-Moss warranty act" for details.

Also, it's likely that your motor is mounted too low. The Doelfin does nothing but plow when it's mounted on a low motor. Your fix should be to raise the motor to the proper height and prop it correctly.

Originally Posted by slickwater1

don't think that those holes would be the reason for poor performance. sounds like a power pack or dead cylinder to me. would start with plugs, then wires, then powerpack. but would not go power pack route until i made sure gas, carb, etc were in proper working order.

do a compression test to check heads also with plugs!!!!

Hey thanks everyone for replying. This is a brand new engine purchased 2008. It is mounted on the transom in the 2nd hole which the owners manual calls for. Also this being an alumnium boat it does not have a pad as fiberglass boats have so you can trim the motor up a hair or two for just a little smoother ride, but to much and you will porpise on top end. My problem is out of the hole the I push on the throttle the worse it gets. This can be caused by heaviness in the rear of the boat, But I've run the gas tank to about 6-7 gals still had the problem. Over the years I guess since I was 16 years old bought my first boat than. Then went into Coast Guard after High School and then stayed in reserves to finish my 20 out for an extra retirement. I have had 2 Bullets, both bought from an old guy (Noel) at Shady Grove Boat Dock and who really knew how to set up an engine. Have had others as well with my last one being a Triton. Only reason I sold it was I was getting to the point phyisically couldn't pull or push on it, So I bought a 175 Fisher, which is owned and made by Tracker Boats. It has a Merc 50hp 4-stroke and to be honest this is the first 4-stroke I've owned and I'm impressed with how quiet it is. Have taken the Dol-phin off still have the porpising out of the hole. Have went down a size in props for now waiting to go back out and try it. Wife won't let me go out by myself anymore due to my disablity. Have something wrong with my spine and had to have my 6th spinal surgery last July. So I'm doing the best I can. Anyway, thanks for the info I'm just trying to find someone who can repair those holes paint and so on. I real paticular about my boats. If something ain't right I'll get it fixed. God Bless.

Flyer, you might try taking some JB Weld and filling the holes, once they dry just sand and paint. As mentioned above I don't think that these holes will affect performance but I understand wanting your rig to look nice, I'm the same way.

Flyer, I hope I'm not trying to lead you in the wrong direction, this is only a suggestion. Check the prop angle of degrees, I've heard there are power props and speed props, one to launch you out of the hole fast with no top end. Then there the speed prop to gentely launch you out of the hole with lot of speed at top end.