1997 Challenger 180 Power issues

[rockytsi]

Hey guys,
I'm having trouble with my 97 challenger 110hp. When I start it up it runs fine for about 1 minute, then loses most of its power like its getting hot or cutting spark or something. I put new plugs in, cleaned the carbs and reset the screws.

Could it be getting wet or hot?
How much work is it to pull the engine?

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Dr Honda]

Does your beeper work?

Have you opened the engine compartment, and touched the engine when it slows down to see if its over heating?

It's not too hard to pull an engine... but there is no reason to do that, unless you are planing to do a rebuild.

Check your compression, and post the number you get.

You could have a plugged up fuel system... and that would do the same thing. (or if the vent on the fuel system is plugged up) When this has happed... have you opened up the fuel fill cap to see if there is a vacuum on the fuel system?


Sorry for the random thoughts... but I need more coffee.

 

[rockytsi]

Compression is good. Can't remember the #'s now but they were aligned with what was posted on here. My beeper does work. Is there a beep sequence for overheating? I opened the fuel cap when i got it back on the trailer....no vaccuum, but is that too late to tell?

 

[CaptSteve]

I agree with Dr. Honda, it sounds like a fuel issue. If you are not getting an alarm, I would look to lack of fuel. I would check the filter, the vent, the fuel selector switch, the pickup, the pump, and the lines. It sounds like you are being starved for fuel. The engine burns off what it has built up, but it is starving for more.

 

[rockytsi]

Thanks for the replies.

I was out of town for work, but am back now and have a busy weekend ahead of me. I am going to check the entire fuel system from the tank to the carbs (including selector and vent), flush the cooling lines, and re-test the ignition coil. Anybody know what resistance I should expect on the coil?

 

[rockytsi]

Well, just out of curiosity I pulled the head off the engine to have a look at the seals around the water jacket....thought maybe I was getting a little water into one cylinder. It looks like I was. One head bolt was sheared off (but still barely attached) and it appears that a little water was being pulled in to the cylinder. I have resealed the gaskets and hand-tightened the bolts, but have to look for another bolt tomorrow.

Gonna check all the fuel and cooling lines while i'm in there tomorrow. (gonna remove each line and manually blow through them to check for obstructions, and clean the fuel selector valve.) Also gonna clean the raves again. I got excellent compression, excellent spark, clean carbs.....so what else could it be?

 

[rockytsi]

How many pounds of torque should I apply to the head bolts?

 

[rockytsi]

After re-assembling the heads and cleaning out the fuel and cooling lines (no obstructions found), I took my boat for a spin. It looks like the problem was an old gasket letting a small amount of water into one cylinder.....motor ran excellent, no surging, good power. I do have a small amount of play in the throttle lever however (it is loose for the first 1/8 of the throttle range...), which means that the boat doesn't accelerate until I hit the 2/8 (1/4) mark.

QUESTION: How can I adjust the throttle cable tension?