Hello All,

Once again I'm seeking knowledge.  I have a standard 1955 272 in a ski boat that was neglected and now running thanks to many of you in assisting with my questions.  I took her skiing a couple of weeks ago and she ran beautifully all day, with my only complaint of a bit hot and the coil bailed me up for a while.  Not the motors fault and currently fixing the two impeller raw water pumps.  Out of the day I have a couple of questions.

1.  I think my mechanical fuel pump (the one with glass bowl and vacuum on the other side) is very tired as there is only a trickle running out of it on the pressure side even at a steady 1500 revs.  The motor never starved of fuel, but seems to have a real flat spot when applying the throttle fast.  You have to slowly feed it, which doesn't help in skiing as she should be really lifting people out of the water.  It definately feels laboured to get going.   It has a holley 350 feeding her that I have just jetted up to 58 normals and 65 for the power jet.  It was originally 55's and wasn't happy at all! 

I thinking of replacing the mechanical with a holley red electric and want to know if 7 psi (max output) is too much for the carby too handle and should be regulated down a tad.  If the carby can handle that that would be alot easier!

2.  As she doesn't seem to pull like I expected, is it worthwhile looking at upgrading to a 292 either standard or over thou, depends what I can source down here to get the boat jumping out of the water.  I'm pretty sure the compression in mine is alright as she turns over each cylinder consistantly and fired no worries.  Sorry but I haven't actually checked what they are, but I believe about 130-140psi is about right (please confirm so I can check).  She is not burning any oil and the exhaust is clean as except for the steam for running a bit hot. 

Some friends have said to throw her away and put in a chev 350, but I really like the classic feel to the boat with the Y and want to keep it, besides all the boat extras will bolt straight onto a 292 saving me money as well and she will drop straight back in.  Does anybody know what the going rate for a working 292 is worth in Aust, preferably in Brisbane and is it worthwhile trading up, or what can I do to the 272 to get her going a bit harder.

By the way, here is a couple of photos of the old girl!

Thanks again for any advice / assistance.  It is appreciated.

Geoff

My first V8!!

Brisbane, Australia!!

Sorry all, forgot to add.  The carby is working fine with level and flow.  Two solid squirts when throttle moved.  No known air leaks, just low fuel pressure from pump, and a big flatspot when throttled hard.

Geoff

My first V8!!

Brisbane, Australia!!

You don't want to do that. The Holley pumps don't last. If you go electric, go with a carter.



You should be able to get a replacement mechanical pump if it is your problem. Is the supply line blocked?


Lawrenceville, GA

No blockages at all in the fuel system as it was all replaced when I did the boat rebuild, including a new tank.  Down here in Aus, it's pretty well cheaper to go electric (carter or holley) than a new mech pump.

My first V8!!

Brisbane, Australia!!

The Holley needle and seat assemblies for the model 2300 carbs will handle 7 psi but they will be happier in the long haul with 5½-6 psi.

The 272 should be more than capable in doing what you want.  I’ll suggest a thorough checkout of what you have first by doing a complete compression test and a leak down test to insure that the motor currently doesn’t already have an issue that’s holding it back.  Recurving the distributor and checking that the rest of the ignition system is up to snuff is also recommended.  Double check that ignition timing as it sounds like it's plenty advanced based on the engines preference for more jetting.  Milling the heads or upgrading to a different head for an increase in compression ratio is an option along with some mild port work on the heads.  Upgrading the camshaft is also worth considering.  The 1.54:1 rockers are worth about three horsepower by themselves over the 1.4’s.

A larger engine is always an easy out for more power so if that option is available, then by all means pursue it.

Lorena, Texas (South of Waco)

Whitey, what is your maximum RPM? You should be able to reach a MINIMUM of 4200-4600 RPM at full throttle. Half the problems I see with hesitation or acceleration issues are due to incorrectly sized propellers not allowing the engine to reach it's rated RPM. If it is low you need to replace the propeller or have it re-pitched, re-pitching here runs about $125.00 for a bronze 3 blade. Every 1" decrease in pitch (theoretical distance a prop will travel in one revolution) will add approximately 200 RPM.



Good Luck, Mike

1956 Fairlane Victoria (ORREO)

 

Overlooking Beautiful Rimrock AZ

Thankyou all for your replies.  My plans are as follows:

Buy a carter 4-6psi pump and install - fuel probs should be now ruled out as carby etc have all been kitted, with no leaks etc.

Going to source a new coil, any recommendations?  I have prevoiusly replaced with new all spark plugs, condensor and points tha were set to manual specs.  No new fangled elec ignition here, just the old original system.  I haven't changed the leads as yet, but they don't appear to be breaking down.  From memory she has been timed at 8 degrees btc, as I think I read it here somewhere that's a good starting point, and vacuum advance was working fine.

Will definately do a compression test as I have the gear to do it.  Haven't heard of the leak down test, but just read up on that and will attempt to source anybody who can do one in the north Brisbane area as I don't have that kit. 

Again, can anybody please confirm the psi I should be looking for with the compression test so I have a starting point.

Cheers Whitey 

My first V8!!

Brisbane, Australia!!

Sorry I also forgot to reply to Yellowwings advice.  Unsure of the top end revs as the taco is a bit jumpy, but I just bought a sexy new multimeter with this option and will double check when next in the water.  She is currently running a 12/13 three bladed prop that I was told should be right for the motor etc, but will double check this as well.

Whitey

My first V8!!

Brisbane, Australia!!