As those who follow this blog have been aware, we have had a constant string of trouble with the 225hp Yamaha OX-66 purchased for this research project. In that 'engine talk' is not particularly tantalizing journalism, our followers have been spared the infinite, unyielding details.
Yesterday, for the first time in 8 months of operating this engine, I was able to run the kids out to the crab grounds, pull pots, and get back to the landing without any sputtering, skipping, or knocking. What a huge relief. And, a pleasure to finally begin to develop some degree of confidence in this engine.
Some months ago I decided to try and track down this rough running problem that has plagued this engine. After some tinkering and fiddling around, I found that one of the coils had a different ohm reading than the other five coils. Changing that single coil rendered instant success. The engine's idle smoothed out beautifully. (Question: Is it socially acceptable for a grown man to cry over a smooth running engine?) I made an immediate beeline for the landing and put the boat in the water for a test ride. The idle was perfect. When I reached the end of the creek, I gave it the throttle and the boat leaped forward with power. As the boat planed out and cut through the water that urge to cry with joy was about to burst forth. And then the sputtering started. The power eroded. The hull struggled to stay on plane. And that urge to cry came back really strong. (Question: Is this form of crying socially acceptable? - No. Potential emotional breakdown? - Yes.)
Every indicator pointed to either a $900 high pressure fuel pump or a $1200 computer because this sputtering only happened at high RPM. Oh goody! Clyde Umphlete of Liberty Marine had offered to help but I knew that he was incredibility busy trying to keep up with summer business. With the cooling weather Clyde was able to pull away long enough for a test ride. Long story made short, Clyde found the problem. A clogged oxygen sensor was the culprit. A 'dog bone' valve in the sensor was making the engine run like a dog. But now, thanks to Clyde, it runs great. So good in fact, that a lesser man may have been tempted to cry!
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A link to Liberty Marine can be found in the sponsors section of this site. Just click on the Statue of Liberty. **
Stan Jones, Harbor Master of the Charleston Harbor Marina, runs a kids program for his marina residents and visitors. The program, called Mini Mariners , teaches kids about different aspects of their marine environment. Stan asked if he could have a trap at the marina for the Mini Mariners. Periodically we stop by to get gas, say 'Hey', and check on things. And if we have extra bait .... we donate !
While leaving the marina, Josiah spotted the sun set over the peninsula city. He grabbed the camera and snapped this shot. The folks at Charleston Harbor Marina have it made in the shade. 
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