Thoughts on my 225 Verado

[merv]

I have a new to me 2012 Reata 2050 with a 225 Verado that, to me, doesn't seem to be performing as it should. The motor is mounted as high as it can be, it has a 21p tempest prop. At first it would only get up to 5400 rpms and 45 mph, then I realized the smartcraft gauge had the trim limit set too low. So I got that figured out now I still only get 5650 rpm and 47.5 mph. It seems kind of doggy out of the hole and has a noticeable vibration at about 1900 rpm on acceleration and deceleration. I have been doing some internet diagnosing and seems like I might have a coil that is bad. It is stored 3 hours away otherwise I could do some more testing on it during the week. When I get back to the lake again I am going to check the spark plugs and I would think if one was black or wet that would give me some information if I'm looking in the right direction. Anyone else have any experience with issues like this?

[chico]

You are on the right track, either a bad plug or coil good luck.

[bloodman]

First thing I'd do is change the plugs.

[TomP.]

Originally Posted by bloodman

first thing i'd do is change the plugs.

this ^^^^^^

[CKM]

if you haven't changed your fuel filter do that too

[Prov275]

Change your plugs...

[muskyed]

Good comments already on plugs and coil. One other thing to consider would be that the 21" Tempest prop may be too much prop for that motor on that hull. If it is not the coils or plugs, and given that you have already raised the engine as high as it will go to get the rpm's that you have, and they are still low, you have too much prop, and you should try at least 1"lower pitch. You also state that it is doggy out of the hole (too much prop), and vibration at about 1900 rpm ( too high of an engine height) because the prop is breaking loose trying to come on and off plane. This is a classic too high of an engine situation. My last boat, similar to yours, but slightly heavier weight than yours, and a 250 HP, instead of your 225 HP, ran 5700 rpm with a 21" with doggy performance, 5950 rpm with a 20" with great over all performance, and 6100 rpm with a 19" prop. These were all Yamahas 3 blade props that pretty much match up with the tempest you have. Your cavitation plate should probably be apx 1 1/2"-2" up from the bottom of your hull with that Tempest prop. If you are higher than that, you probably have raised your engine too high to try to get the rpm's that you need.

[sled_22]

Originally Posted by muskyed

Good comments already on plugs and coil. One other thing to consider would be that the 21" Tempest prop may be too much prop for that motor on that hull. If it is not the coils or plugs, and given that you have already raised the engine as high as it will go to get the rpm's that you have, and they are still low, you have too much prop, and you should try at least 1"lower pitch. You also state that it is doggy out of the hole (too much prop), and vibration at about 1900 rpm ( too high of an engine height) because the prop is breaking loose trying to come on and off plane. This is a classic too high of an engine situation. My last boat, similar to yours, but slightly heavier weight than yours, and a 250 HP, instead of your 225 HP, ran 5700 rpm with a 21" with doggy performance, 5950 rpm with a 20" with great over all performance, and 6100 rpm with a 19" prop. These were all Yamahas 3 blade props that pretty much match up with the tempest you have. Your cavitation plate should probably be apx 1 1/2"-2" up from the bottom of your hull with that Tempest prop. If you are higher than that, you probably have raised your engine too high to try to get the rpm's that you need.

And with all that being said, having your engine too high could create a water pressure shortage and overheating your engine to boot. Just a thought to check that as well if you end up leaving the engine height.

[merv]

Thanks for all the help, I am going to check things over tomorrow. I'll report back what I find.

[merv]

I pulled all the plugs and found that the bottom plug was wet and clean, obviously not firing. I replaced the plug and coil on that cylinder. Took it out for a test run and it was a completely different engine. It got out of the hole immediately, I only ran it up to 50mph since it was pretty rough. RPMs were where they are supposed to be and no more vibration. Thanks for all the help.