1997 Challenger 1800 ISsues.. that didnt take long!..

[8-Ball]

WEll first time out solo with the boat... issues...

I test drove the boat 2 weeks ago.. and ran like a champ...

The boat has sat in the driveway while we cleaned it.. and handleded small details like a Keel Guard.. etc..

Charged the battery... and drove to the lake on Friday.

Friday evening.. lots of rain.. *boat covered*... Sat.. drove out to get going.. and boat battery.. completely dead. Trailer back to land. and put on charger.. for a couple hours.

Charge the boat.. take it back to the landing.. launch.. both engines pop right off.. idle at around around 1000-1100... all is well..

Alow several mins for engines to warm up. and start throttle...

both climb to 3300 RPM.. and the right engine.. looses power.. and drops.. to 1100.. Power back down.. let idle.. and start out again.. same issue.

Turn off engines.. and change plugs on the engine with issues. Plugs.. wet.. and black.

Changed.. and start out again.. Same issues..

Engine will not go over 3200 RPM.. and will loose power.. and cut down.. and kill.. WIll start right back up.. no issues.. but will not power up.

Pulled boat back out.. and took it to the shop.

performed compression test.. both cylinders at 152. Checked for obstructions.. none....

Thoughts?.. anyone??

Dirty carb?.....????

I just cant understand why all was well just 2 weeks ago.. and now just phlurrrrt....

Any chance the guy I bought it from was hiding and issue???

Thanks for any imput..

 

[timmyboy76]

i'd pull the carbs and go thru them, no need for rebuild, and also, pull/clean the raves. afterward, turn the idle up some, so theyre at 1500rpm in the water, 3k out of water.

 

[8-Ball]

Well with compression at 152 x 2.. I wouldnt think rebuild is necessary...

What just puzzles me .. is how can I go.. from running like a champ.. GPS clocked at 53..... to a choking pig in two weeks???/ that just seems wierd to me...

Carbs are being pulled...Raves cleaned...Will dial in the RPMs to be at 1500 in the water...and well see..

Does it sound like anything electrical??

 

[8-Ball]

Found the culprit..

Ok.. Someone help me with this part name..

But the issue apparently was with the Exhaust valve.. Apparently there is a lil rubber/plastic piston that opens up .. it apparently was broke.. and needed to be replaced.. 19.99 part.

Mechanic stated that the Exhaust values showed ware.. said it would be 400 to deal with that..but that it wasnt critical to deal with now...

Thoughts on this? Failure to address cause any issues???

 

[livewir]

if the mechanic is talking about the RAVE valves, You can replace them yourself.

http://saldman.tripod.com/Rave_valve/Rave.html

SBT sells all the parts you need

http://www.sbtontheweb.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Category_Code=1997sdch1800

If he is talking about another exhaust valve then I don't know....

 

[8-Ball]

Nope..as it was explained to me...it was a small plastic.. or rubber piston..... that when broke.. it basically makes the engine act as if its running with the choke open.

The part was 19.99.

Also the mechanic said that the Exhaust Valve was showing signs of ware.. and will need replacement in the future.. cost.. 400.00

I have been searching the posts here trying to see exactly what he was refering to... no luck yet..

Ill keep looking...

 

[livewir]

The Piston is part of the rave valve

http://partsfinder.onlinemicrofiche.com/seadooforums/Seadoo_oem/Seadoo_JB.asp?Type=13&A=20&B=4

Part number 9

 

[8-Ball]

Yep.. i was just looking at that Diagram on Babbitts... and I "believe" it is part #9..

Now the mechanic stated that the exhaust valve *rave*.. looks worn.. and will need replacement..at sometime..

at 400 dollars..

hmmm thoughts?:bigear:

 

[shockerfd]

If it is indeed worn and needs replacing, by all means replace it...but do it yourself! $400.00? Ouch! It really is a simple task.

 

[8-Ball]

Well if I did my math correctly.. for the entire valve assembly..**I am assuming there are TWO**... Parts for a complete rebuild.. is 211.02... So that is 422.04 just in parts..Labor should be pretty low..so the 400 dollar bill he was quoting..seems pretty reasonable..

Again.. assuming he was doing both exhaust valves (rave)..and replacing EVERY part.. **which I am doubtful that is happening**..
Now if he is charging.. 400 a valve... then were talking a different opinion.

To replace this.. what are we talking time wise? is it just basically put to gether and inserted.. OR..is there some calibrations and adjustments that need to follow ???

I am NOT a adjustment/calibration sort of guy..:rofl:

 

[shockerfd]

If you just need to have the Rave rebuild kit and Rave valves, you're looking at $170.00 ish for two. Give yourself a 1/2 hour to an hour to get the new ones together and in the boat and you're done. Turn the red screws all the way in and they're adjusted.

Click on the SBT link someone posted above and find your parts.

 

[johnhibbs]

Check exhaust hoses

The hoses can delaminate on the inside and block the exhaust flow. Do the hoses feel soft in any place? They should be very firm from top to bottom. They need to be removed and inspected to be sure they aren't coming apart on the inside. See the photo on the left to see what happens to old hoses. My boat would start every time but wouldn't go over 3000 rpm.