I get an occasional back fire getting on plane (one side only) but once there it runs well. I of course think ignition problems and have been replacing parts one at a time and have rechecked my timing.

My first question is what are the symptoms of a bad Crane HI-6M ignition? Is it all or nothing? ie it either runs or it doesn't? or can it give intermittant problems?

Let me simplify my question;

If the Ignition box is defective, does it cease to run completely or can you get intermittent misfires etc?

Easy thing to check-your boats a twin if I remember right-just swap boxes side to side and you'll know. I have a crane box that I run on my boat,it runs flawless but I had other ignition boxes that worked intermittently so its possible,Smitty

Is that the same side that burns more fuel?

Can I pick you brain too?

Smitty,

Thanks, I was hoping to at least find out if intermittent problems were a possiblity before I did that and I will of course do it If I don't solve it with my latest fixes. Unfortrunately, I have used up my last caps and rotors for the billet Holley distributors I am running now and they are discontinued distributors.

Jim, Yes it is the same. Although the difference ,may not be as much as I first thought. I do notice the forward engine taking longer to get up to speed though. I am still going to check into a lighter Driveshaft.

On the to do list for this winter includes Fuel Flow meters so I can really watch it. I am also building EFI engines with O2 sensors in the collectors but they probably won't be ready before the next season.

I have had sever boats that did that and it was fuel related problems.

Boy, I would love to hear you elaborate on this. I have been on the phone with Dean Nickerson and have worked through several potential problems with nothing panning out so far.

I also thought a backfire always killed your powervalves which may not always be true.

Please elaborate!!