Using my engine synchronizer

[GnrlPatton]

I have a Sturdy engine synchronizer, and during the sea trial the surveyor briefly showed me how to use it, so I know it works. The only problem is that I don't remember exactly how we got it to function. I thought that we pushed the throttles to full on both, then flipped the Engine Sync switch at the helm, and then throttled back on the Port throttle. That left the Starboard throttle to manage both. I've not been able to reproduce that, and I've not found a user manual online for it. Anyone know how to get it to work?

Thanks,
Kevin

 

[Jimsroc]

With the throttles in the idle position turn on the sync switch then advance the stb throttle to full throttle position. Now use the port throttle to control both engines

 

[GnrlPatton]

Thanks, I'll give that a try. There must be several ways to use it, as I swear when the surveyor showed me, we were underway on plane. I just couldn't remember the exact sequence.

Kevin

 

[The Bill Collector]

http://www.sturdycorp.com/Images/sturdy/docs/AccuSync_man.pdf

 

[Skuza]

Ours you turn the switch on, wait a few seconds (I faintly hear something during this time which I assume is a servo?) then advance the PORT throttle all the way. The STBD throttle becomes the master control.

Sweet and I think rare boat by the way- 37 with a hardtop!

 

[AMFM3]

On ours it's the same as others have described. Turn it on, wait a few seconds, advance the port throttle all the way. Do this all in neutral. Put it in gear and then the starboard throttle runs both engines.

Mark

 

[Hick]

I also have one on very similar boat. I notice that whether or not the synchronizer is on or off, my starbd transmission throttle is tighter than the port trans throttle, meaning it requires a bit more effort to move it in and out of gear. I was told this was due to having a synchronizer. Do the rest of you have similar results?

 

[Jimmy Buoy]

I have the Sturdy model. You don't advance either throttle to max (I believe that's what you do with a Glendenning Sync). When you want both engines to sync (usually when not in close quarters) simply turn on the unit and operate both throttles as if you did not have a synch. It's THAT simple. As long as the engine's RPM's are within 15% or so of each other, the unit will adjust the "slave" engine's throttle up or down to match the control engine. Even in neutral at your slip it will work. Try both engines at idle, engage the unit, advance one engine to 1500 RPM and see if the other engine automatically matches it within 5 seconds or so. If not, that's probably the "slave" engine that you've advanced. Bring that engine back to idle and advance the other engine to 1500 RPM and see if the one left at idle then rises to match the control engine. It should. If that doesn't work, the Sturdy unit is not working properly.

 

[Qsilverrdc]

I have a Glendinning on my 1988 460EC. When I want the engines to sync I press the button. The box makes a clunk (solenoid) and that's about it. My slave is Starboard so I push that power handle all the way open. To disengage sync push the button off. The starboard engine will stay at the last rpm until the throttle is physically reduced to reengage the throttle cable in the Glen. See http://www.glendinningprods.com/products/synchronizer

Some suggested engaging at idle. My Glen needs to be up a couple hundred RPM to stay engaged.
I don't use sync when I am powering to plane.
The Glendinning is a really cool mechanical device.


Richard

 

[Captain Allen]

I have the Sturdy model. I usually engage in gear at about 1,000 rpm. I have found that trying to engage at lower rpm's is difficult sometimes. I can feel the port throttle "thump" when it engages. Port throttle is the slave and I push it all the way up after the sync engages. Keeps it out of the way of the starboard throttle.

 

[Jimmy Buoy]

I have the Sturdy model. I usually engage in gear at about 1,000 rpm. I have found that trying to engage at lower rpm's is difficult sometimes. I can feel the port throttle "thump" when it engages. Port throttle is the slave and I push it all the way up after the sync engages. Keeps it out of the way of the starboard throttle.

Doesn't sound like you have a Sturdy model… likely a Glendinning based on your operating procedures. With the Sturdy unit if you were to push your Port throttle all the way up, the Port engine would simply accelerate to it's max while the Stb would remain at the 1000 RPM.

Let me clarify. Sturdy Accusync Synchronizers are manufactured by Sturdy Corp. North Carolina for maybe 15yrs. Basically, Sturdy built a "better mousetrap", reinventing the dual engine synchronizer to one that has fewer moving parts and a simpler operating procedure. Gendinning Synchronizers are manufactured by Glendinning in South Carolina for over 30yrs. Two different companies with two different approaches to engine synchronization. They don't operate in the same manner.

 

[hd2002hd]

As mentioned before, I wait until I am somewhere over 1000 rpm's, make sure both engines are about the same rpm and then push the sync button. The port throttle is the slave and. Just leave it where it is and use the starboard throttle to control both. Works like a charm.

 

[GnrlPatton]

Thanks for the replies, all. I'll try it out next time I'm able to get her out of the slip.