Tired motor ?
 

last year I had to tune turn the idle up because it would barely run at 650 rpms. Then it would not shift out of drive being that I had it to high, I turned it down. Now it has a harder time starting at such a low RPM. This motor is a 1986 in a older 23 Powerplay. I am thinking that the motor may be getting tired... or really just the cam ? it does not burn any oil and a few years back it had some oil pressure issues and I thougth it might be the gauge and got it back to the marina and it was the oil filter. That was 2002 ?

any ideas ?

Thanks,

Steve

Engine? Carb? Setup would help.
Carb rebuild time? power valve?

Does it run good when off idle? have you lost performance (besides idle)

Yes, carb rebuid a couple of years ago.

350- 260HP

New cap, rotor, wires and plugs in the last 2 years.

this thing use to crank 4800 now maybee 4200 RPM ?

do a comp test.... plugs should be done at 50 hrs.....

Do a leakdown test. Might be time for a valve job.

ok, at what point do I just yank it and put in a new one ?

if the cam is shot and it needs a valve job ?

maybee the cam is ok??

keep them comming ...the advoise that is.

thanks,

Steve

i have a 454 just rebuilt i will sell you....

would it even swap right in with a Alpha ?

what year and model

330HP

365 HP

420HP

Anyone Looking For A 454 30 Over Gen 4 Rebuilt Ready To Go.
Have Exhaust (cmi)...new
454 460 ci
holley carb 830
rpm performer intake
steel crank
4 bolt
srp pistons
dimple rods
crane cam (134241) 534/553 lift 226/236

Sounds like it might have a vacum leak. That is usually the case with and idle problem like that. The carb might be wore out. Throttle shafts worn? causing a leak maybe. but look into that.

22 years old, how many hour's? It may be time, compression test, leak down, if either is not up to par, rebuild it. if it's leaking thru the heads or pistons, It's just time to bit the bullet.
thats my 2 cents
Larrry

Compression test gives you a quick snapshot of whether it's a cylinder or top-end wear issue. Leakdown is a better diagnostic tool for determining where the problem lies. I always put a dial indiicator on the rockers to see if I have cam wear- it's not uncommon at all to see worn lobes on these engines.

I would not suggest a big block on an Alpha. Merc tried it and smoked alot of drives. Much over 300 horse is going to shorten the life of a fresh one. If yours hasn't been open in a while, it's safe to assume the clearances are widened- adding power is the last thing it needs.

Yes, it does have a rebuilt carb like 6 seasons ago. But I do have a Performer RPM with a adapter plate ...could that be a issue ?

Yea it may be time...to bite the bullet.