1997 215 ec. Can’t get up to speed

[Lazy Daze]

Trimming - OK, good - that's the correct way.

If the prop was too small, you'd overrev. If it was too big, you'd have more speed. Of course, if there's something VASTLY different there, then that could change things... but I doubt that's the case.

I mentioned the HP as a "possibility", but unless it's vastly off, it isn't the issue. You'd have to get a hold of the builder... and of course this depends on exactly what "rebuild" means. It's a very general term that gets loosely thrown around.

It might not be firing on all cylinders... or on the WRONG cylinders. Check that the plug wires are attached to the proper plugs. Check cap and rotor... check the plugs. Check for spark at each wire. Do a compression test.

FYI... "Ventilation" not "cavitation"

 

[scoflaw]

It's none of the above or it wouldn't be getting to 4400rpm.

So obviously the engine rpm isn't getting to the prop.

Something is slipping, prop hub, coupler or the prop is damaged and is slipping in the water or the 4400 rpm isn't accurate.

 

[Lazy Daze]

It's none of the above or it wouldn't be getting to 4400rpm.

So obviously the engine rpm isn't getting to the prop.

Something is slipping, prop hub, coupler or the prop is damaged and is slipping in the water or the 4400 rpm isn't accurate.

If anything was slipping, though, it would overrev - especially under the high load he's putting on it. Or, at least, I have never experienced/heard of a slipping hub or coupler that "mends itself" under higher load.

Inaccurate tach is a good thought. It wouldn't explain the lack of final speed, but could explain the mismatch. But that still leaves the question of WHY he only gets 20MPH?

 

[blaster]

I would be questioning the workmanship of the “rebuild”. What was rebuilt? Heads? Short block? Replacement long block? Did the mechanic do the rebuild or just order from an engine builder? Any warranty?

 

[Espos4]

FYI He said 28 mph, not 20 mph max. Either way top speed is a bit low.

What is the rpm range for the 1997 era 5.7?

 

[Espos4]

I just picked up a 1997 215 ec has rebuilt 5.7 with alpha 1 gen 2 only has 36hours on rebuild. At WOT I’m reaching 4400 rpm’s but can’t break 28 mph. This boat should be doing low 40s. Help me please

Did you verify the throttle plate is fully open at WOT?

 

[Lazy Daze]

FYI He said 28 mph, not 20 mph max. Either way top speed is a bit low.

What is the rpm range for the 1997 era 5.7?

28mph... check.

4400-4800

If memory serves, my 215EC (same model as his) ran 48MPH with a 240HP 5.0EFI.

 

[Bill Curtis]

Something doesn't add up here. At 4400 RPM it is at low end of spec WOT rated RPM, but in spec and should be doing 45+ mph. I would move on from digging in engine at the present time and focus more on what is after the engine.

The coupler, or prop hub will cause this, as well as hair a foot long on the hull, but stated hull is clean. A prop hub will normally allow a complete prop blow out and over rev, but the engine coupler ( i have seen this one) will slip enough to have load on the engine but slip badly, reducing out put to drive.

I would think there are multiple things going on here, but coupler is my prime suspect..

Just some observations.

Oh yeah, check the RPM with another hand held tack to verify tach is correct. Have some doubts on that one, too.

 

[Arminius]

too much prop. Somewhere (like the last 2 digits of the stamped ID) there are the 2 important digits: "15" through "26". I bet it is a 26 when it should be a 17 or 19.

 

[Mtr727]

FYI He said 28 mph, not 20 mph max. Either way top speed is a bit low.

What is the rpm range for the 1997 era 5.7?

4400-4800

 

[Mtr727]

Ok I messed around with the tachometer I read on another forum to switch it from 8 cyl back and forth. Now I'm only getting 3800 rpms at 29 mph gps.

 

[Golfman25]

Ok I messed around with the tachometer I read on another forum to switch it from 8 cyl back and forth. Now I'm only getting 3800 rpms at 29 mph gps.

Ok now we are getting somewhere. To start, Check your prop specs.

 

[Scott215]

Could be in the prop.

 

[Lazy Daze]

Ok I messed around with the tachometer I read on another forum to switch it from 8 cyl back and forth. Now I'm only getting 3800 rpms at 29 mph gps.

OK, that RPM sounds about correct for that speed.

I think I may have mentioned this above, but I'm relucatant to think it's the prop. It would have to be MAJORLY overpropped to be losing 1,000 RPM. And that just doesn't seem logical....

But, it's a good first step to try.

 

[Mtr727]

I wasn’t able to confirm what prop I have yet but I did locate a receipt in my paperwork from previous owner for a 17.5 x 19 prop.

 

[Lazy Daze]

I wasn’t able to confirm what prop I have yet but I did locate a receipt in my paperwork from previous owner for a 17.5 x 19 prop.

That can't be right. I doubt a 17.5" diameter prop wouldn't even fit. Should likely be between 13.5" and 14.5".

The 19" pitch sounds about right as what "should" be on there.

 

[Golfman25]

I wasn’t able to confirm what prop I have yet but I did locate a receipt in my paperwork from previous owner for a 17.5 x 19 prop.

According to the parts manual I found online, prop was spec. at 14.5 x 19 3 blade Alum. If you are at 17.5 dia. you can expect about 600 less RPMs. That right there gets you close to 4400 RPMs. So definitely confirm your actual prop before jumping to conclusions.

 

[Scott215]

Wow 17.dont think it would fit

 

[Scott215]

Sure would explain the top speed though if it fit

 

[Arminius]

Ebay has used SS props. Last one I bought was old with the integral hub. From Canada. No dings but must have been used industrially as it took a power wire brush to clean a thin film of cement off of it. I recommend going with the 17" pitch. I don't think there is room under the cavitation plate for a 17" diameter prop.