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Engine/transmission query Luhrs 290 Sport

Discussion in 'Luhrs Yacht' started by DRL, Dec 26, 2022.

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  1. DRL

    DRL New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 9, 2020
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    13
    Location:
    Cape May
    Appreciate any help sorting thru a possible engine or transmission issue. Both engines rev fine, well up to 7K+ RPMs when not under load; however, under load my starboard engine revs ~2500 RPMs half way up on the throttle control and then there is no further output/propulsion the rest of the way up throttle. Port engine will push 4,650 RPMs but the starboard engine only generates 2500 RPMs. I'm perplexed, here's why...

    I have twin Marine Power 5.7 carbureted 350hp engines. I've done a complete overhaul of the motors and major components other than replacing the block. Have not done any forensics on the hurth transmissions. Both engines have new harmonic balancers, new manifolds, risers and exhaust plumbing, new seawater pumps, new distributor cap and rotor, new engine wires and spark plugs. All heads on both engines have been pulled and refurbished (port engine had a cracked head and was replaced). Proper adjustments made to all valves, timing is set to 10 degrees at idle and advances to 29 degrees at 2500 rpms. Relocated the fuel filter and fuel pump to accommodate 2 micron fuel filter and water separator bowl, and replaced fuel lines. Carburetors are marine 650 cfm edlebrock #1906. Secondaries look to be opening on throttle advance, throttle cables are responsive. I've spoken with two mechanics, both were on the boat and observed the issue and were as puzzled as I am. Only suggestion was to switch the carbs and see if the issue replicates on the port engine or fixes the issue on the starboard side.

    At this point I'll take any and all possible troubleshooting suggestions, ty.
  2. Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    New problem? First, check the propellers.

    Yes, swap the carb and distributor. If the prop has been matched at a shop.

    How thick is the motor oil. I have witnessed lifters sink on thin oil.

    Lastly, I had a LBC issue on one of my own builds long ago. Spacers under the valve springs. Ha
    Kills a high lift cam shaft quickly.
    Measure cam lift at each rocker.

    I'm not sure if small Hurth clutches ran in either direction. So, do you have a counter rotating engine? Witch one?
    Last edited: Dec 26, 2022
  3. Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    Oh
    What engine really got the new heads?
    Later SBCs must of had a dozen different heads.
    Were the chambers CC'd to verify same volume for each lung?

    Back to the camshaft, you dialed it to ensure lobe timing?
    You can check lobe timing while your checking rocker height.
    Last edited: Dec 26, 2022
  4. Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    BTY, SBC @ 350HP?
    I'm guessing not dyno'd.
  5. Robert Page

    Robert Page New Member

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    One change at a time. Have you checked the fuel pressure at the carb inlets under load? How does the vacum look? Others have mentioned vales and cam issues and a little time with a vacuum gauge will tell you alot! Regardless, I recommend you lose the 2 micro filters, those carbs will run fine forever with 30 or 20 micron filtation and the fuel pumps were not designed for 2 micron resistance. Swap the carbs if the fuel pressure is good, if it is out of spec, look at the fuel pump and fuel feed system. If your distrubutors are showing full advance at 2900 rpm and no bounce, I would leave them alone.
  6. Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    One other thought about 350HP in a SBC, What torque curve are you expecting? It is torque that pushes a boat hull on plane.
    By itself, HP rarely makes a boat get up and go.
    Yes, check fuel flow, but I am feared your nice street set up engine is not set up for a boat.
  7. DRL

    DRL New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 9, 2020
    Messages:
    13
    Location:
    Cape May
    All points well taken.

    Engines are both left handed. Atlantis propeller balanced the props last year, no issues there. I have a replacement set and will verify the ones in use (more aptly very little use).

    Will definitely revisit the fuel filter and fuel flow/pressure (second mention of that being a possible source of the problem). Did not think that could be an issue with electric fuel pump working. Only the port engine had a new head, the other 3 were fluxed and redone. I did all the wrench turning and had help with adjusting valves and setting timing from 2 very experienced Boat mechanics.

    Definitely not a street set up...in fact I had to undo many issues that a car mechanic who worked on the boat prior to my time. I have an older mechanic who is the proprietor of Mobile Marine and he has been very generous with his time and has forgotten more about marine systems than I'll ever know. Grateful for all the responses on the board, thank you.
  8. cleanslate

    cleanslate Senior Member

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    Check the fuel tank, the pick up tube, and hose from the tank/pick up tube to the first filter inlet. Take an air compressor and give a few good puffs of air till your hear it bubbling up in the fuel tank. Basically back flush the crud out of the line then see how it runs. Get that line clear, then figure out how to clean the tank and remove the crud out. Anyway that's what I would do. Make sure it's really clear for full flow. Or just run a temporary line to a clean five gallon jug of fuel and see how it goes. Load and no load RPMs are different animals.

    Also make sure the fuel filter top housing in clean and clear, junk likes to hide with in them also.