Syncing the throttle levers

[aprilfools63]

Chief (Craig),

I was under the impression that the 340's w/8.1's after 2002 had 4 blade props... Interesting.

I have been thinking of going with 4 blade props on by 2002 340, but am concerned with loading down the engines. The 2002 does not have the same hull design as the 2003-2007 models and I'm not sure if the prop tunnels are similar or not (they could cause more or less cavitation at lower speeds). I sent a note to the Sea Ray Engineers and they just sent back a generic "It has never been tested" and that the props that are installed on the boat are matched to the hull. It's a nice way of saying "try at your own risk".

Anyway, I would be interested in the results after you have them installed and tested.

 

[Newbie]

In 03, there was 2 340's available for a period of time, or at least thats my understanding. You could get an 03 that has the body style of the previous years (99?-02) till a certain part of the year, then one like mine which is the same as the 04- current 340. There has been lots of talk about 4 blade props on the 02 and earlier models on here, but I can't recall if anyone here has actually done it yet. I know Alex D has talked alot about it. Many here have done it to 320's and 90's period 330's (mrs robinson) and are very pleased with the results but I don't think it will change the sync of the levers unless your current 3 blades has one thats boogered up a bit.

I looked into changing out the spark plugs on my 8.1's and have found some useful info on them. The originals in mine were Denso plugs (I think they're platinum tipped) but now it is recommended to use an iridium tipped AC Delco plug. There is a Merc TSB out on this.

http://www.justanswer.com/uploads/ROCKETBOAT/2008-12-09_042519_SPARK.pdf

After reading around alot about 8.1s (RV sites), I found they are having similiar issues at higher RPM's with surging and loss of power as I am in the 340. They have changed the gapping down to .045-.050 from the recommended .060 and eliminated the prob supposedly. I know its 2 differrent animals between boats and RV's but worth a note. I'm going to replace the plugs next time with the AC's and try them at .060 gap, if it continues to surge I'll drop it down to .050 to see if it helps any.

As a note on the plugs, at your Merc dealer, they are roughly 16-18 dollars each :wow: You can get the exact same plug from a car parts dealer for as low as 6 bucks, what a rip-off from the dealer. The new plugs are factory gapped at .060 and to check that, you cannot use one of the standard round gauges or even feeler gauges. The iridium coating on the electrode is easily damaged so there is a special gapping tool available for this type of plug. I ordered one from summit racing along with the plugs (for 5.75ea).
Hopefully this useless typing will help someone other than myself
SB