Sturdy Engine Synchronizer Not Synchronizing

Ramblin' Guy

Ramblin' Guy

Active Member
Nov 8, 2021
156
Grand Haven, MI
Boat Info
1997 370 Sundancer
Engines
370 hp 7.4 MPI Horizon w/V drives
I just bought a 1997 370 Sundancer with 7.4 MPI Horizons. I'm hoping someone with boats in that vintage can help me out. I have the Sturdy Engine Synchronizer (I think it's the first generation, because the manual posted on these forums is for a later version). When I try to engage the synch with the throttles near each other, the port engine goes to idle. I'm guessing with my limited knowledge of these synchs that the starboard is the master, and the port is the slave, and the port engine thinks the starboard is at idle (it isn't getting a signal).

I'd like to check this in the spring, but I'm hoping someone on here can tell me where the spark signal comes from on the engine if there's no current doughnut around the spark plug wires. The manual seems to think there's a connection point on the distributor or coil or something that gives a signal. I can see the wires on the synchronizer itself, but they disappear into the loom and there's no chance of me finding where they come out without some direction. I'd also like to know how to measure if there's a signal at the synch itself. I'm thinking that it's not a 20,000 volt pulse, but it probably is quick and not able to be seen by the average multimeter.

Any advice on debugging these contraptions is very appreciated!

IMG_2454.jpg
 
I have a Glendenning sync and to operate it, with both throttles at idle, I turn on the sync, then I push the Starboard throttle to full, then the port throttle controls both as a master.
Maybe yours works the same way?
 
good luck with Sturdycorp. My unit stopped working recently and they were unable to provide any support at all. Told me to search ebay for a used unit.
 
SKybolt said:
You might want to contact them: https://www.sturdycorp.com/marine

Also this thread may be of some help: http://www.clubsearay.com/index.php?threads/using-my-engine-synchronizer.80910/
Take a look at post #8
Click to expand...
Actually, look at post #5 in that thread, that is how my Sturdy sync operates. At idle, turn on the switch at the helm and wait a couple of seconds. I actually hear a squeak down below that I assume is the servo motor activating, that's how I know the sync is on. Once I hear that, I advance the Port throttle all the way up, and then the Starboard throttle will control both engines.

To disable, I do the opposite. Use the Starboard control to bring both engines to idle. Bring the Port throttle lever to idle, and then turn the sync switch off. The controls will then be independent and will control each engine.
 
GnrlPatton said:
Actually, look at post #5 in that thread, that is how my Sturdy sync operates. At idle, turn on the switch at the helm and wait a couple of seconds. I actually hear a squeak down below that I assume is the servo motor activating, that's how I know the sync is on. Once I hear that, I advance the Port throttle all the way up, and then the Starboard throttle will control both engines.

To disable, I do the opposite. Use the Starboard control to bring both engines to idle. Bring the Port throttle lever to idle, and then turn the sync switch off. The controls will then be independent and will control each engine.
Click to expand...

Yeah, I referenced #8 because it goes into a little more detail, but either of them.

I will say this, I am glad I have a Glendenning sync. It works flawlessly no matter where you are in the throttle position.
 
From the supplement to my 1998 370DA manual page 46, here is wiring diagram for Sturdy synchronizer.
 

Attachments

  • 1998 370 DA Owners Manual Tab 12 Supplemental Information Page 46.pdf
    50.2 KB · Views: 165
jgoedd99 said:
From the supplement to my 1998 370DA manual page 46, here is wiring diagram for Sturdy synchronizer.
Click to expand...

Now we're talking! Now I can check the connections (I'm assuming behind the tachs) and grounds to see if this stupid thing is getting a signal. I didn't know if there was a current doughnut around a plug wire or another source, but it looks like it's just from the tachs. Super helpful. I gotta get me one of those manual thingys - they seem to have good information.

Thanks!
 
I had a Sturdy which I installed in my last boat and it worked great. I think it's a better design and easier to use than the older Glendenning, but that's only IF it operates nominally.

In my case, I didn't use the little donut around a spark plug wire (seems a bit basic anyway). I looked up the PCM555 wiring diagram and selected the wire coming from the engine computer that provides a pulse for the coils to fire or for the tachometer (been 14yrs since installing). If your engine's are EFI you probably have a pulse wire from the ECUs.

It should be relatively easy to follow the pulse wire from the unit back to the engine and trace what that wire does.
 
I also have a sturdy from 1997. I too called the company and they also told me they don’t support the product anymore. Not a big fan. I have had to many projects going and haven’t had time to spend on this. It’s on the list though. Good luck I will be following.
 
I just looked at the wiring diagram for the cat engines. I’m not sure I have ever seen the white and the white/gray wires on the alternators. Can someone tell me where they are attached or possible a picture? Thank you!
 
Riptide III said:
I just looked at the wiring diagram for the cat engines. I’m not sure I have ever seen the white and the white/gray wires on the alternators. Can someone tell me where they are attached or possible a picture? Thank you!
Click to expand...

On mine, they terminate at the magnetic pickups on the flywheels.
 
Finally got this thing working. Had to start from idle, engage, wait 15 s or so, push the port throttle all the way forward (it moves hard when engaged), and then advance the engines with the starboard throttle. Little jumpy at times till it settles in. Probably some tach signal noise I’m guessing. But it works great like it should. Maybe I need to put some light lube on the port cables or something, but it’s a win!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Forum statistics

Threads
113,164
Messages
1,427,656
Members
61,075
Latest member
Jrrwsu1
Back
Top