Damper Plate - Run it or wait? |
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joshjanae
Groupie Joined: October-11-2015 Location: Arizona Status: Offline Points: 87 |
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Posted: June-10-2017 at 12:00pm |
I just got my boat running after blowing a head gasket. Replaced the heads with GT40p heads. Had it at the lake and it ran great. There is a noise (sounds like the rocks in the tranny) when I put it into gear. The noise promptly goes away with the slightest acceleration. From what I have read, this is the damper plate and it needs replaces.
Can I run the boat anyway? How likely is this to fail and what can I expect if it does? My son wants to go wakeboarding today but I an hesitant, should I just go and bring some paddles - just in case? I have already ordered a new damper plate. I got the sachs one that is already cut down for the smaller flywheel. Hope that was right! |
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63 Skier
Grand Poobah Joined: October-06-2006 Location: Concord, NH Status: Offline Points: 4234 |
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From the title it sounds like you aren't sure whether to change it, but since you say you ordered one I guess you decided to do it! Good choice, not hard to do and not something to be ignored.
Having said that, and others here might disagree, I'd run the boat and put a smile on the kids face today. The noise is likely weak or broken springs on the damper, but could be a tranny problem as well. If when above idle speed the sound goes away completely, and the boat accelerates without hesitation, I'd be ok running it for a day or two that way. Again, if someone else disagrees with me by all means listen to them, I've been known to run stuff until it breaks at times. |
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'63 American Skier - '98 Sport Nautique
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KENO
Grand Poobah Joined: June-06-2004 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 10704 |
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I'm with 63 skier on this.
How's your idle speed, if it's real low, bump it up some and maybe the noise will go away. Shoot for say 600 to 650 rpm in gear. It can be from too low an idle or also from an engine needing a tuneup, along with being a bad damper. Did it rattle before the head replacement? If not, maybe it's just the idle speed needing some adjustment. Bring a paddle for each person in the boat |
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Swatkinz
Platinum Member Joined: December-03-2003 Location: Lexington, SC Status: Offline Points: 1307 |
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Mine is in need of replacement too. I plan to replace in the offseason. Were mine a direct drive I'd be inclined to do it now. Ive been told that the noise mine is making is just a nuisance and will not cause other components to wear or fail prematurely. I'm running the risk of having it fail during the season but that's easier than making the time to do it now.
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Steve
2011 Sport/Air 200 Excalibur 343 2017 Boatmate Tandem Axle Trailer Former CC owner (77, 80, 95, 88, all SNs) Former Malibu owner (07, 09) |
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63 Skier
Grand Poobah Joined: October-06-2006 Location: Concord, NH Status: Offline Points: 4234 |
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As to when a bad damper (dampner?) causes tranny failure or other issues, it's there to dampen the shock of engine torque being applied to the tranny suddenly. So a broken spring or other damper issue just causes more shock to the system, which isn't good. I'd have no issue running for a weekend like I said above, but I wouldn't run it that way for a season.
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'63 American Skier - '98 Sport Nautique
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joshjanae
Groupie Joined: October-11-2015 Location: Arizona Status: Offline Points: 87 |
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Thanks all. I plan on replacing next week. Plate gets here on the 16th. There may have been some noise prior to replacing the heads, Idle speed may be a bit low, I'm think the carburetor needs a tune and I probably need new plug wires. The plugs are brand new autolite 104s. I'm not too familiar with how to tune the carb, but I will read up on it. I have a lot of experience on 2 stroke dirt bike carbs so hopefully some of that will transfer over.
I did learn, while placing the heads, that the points have been replaces by a per lux electronic ignition. Good or bad, I don't know? I love the boat and with the repairs and the original purchase price I am very happy with it. Here's my daughter enjoying the boat this Wednessday. This is with the new heads, first day out, having fun with the kids. First 360 |
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63 Skier
Grand Poobah Joined: October-06-2006 Location: Concord, NH Status: Offline Points: 4234 |
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Love that video! How old is she, looks like a natural!
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'63 American Skier - '98 Sport Nautique
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fanofccfan
Platinum Member Joined: December-13-2009 Location: North Bend NE Status: Offline Points: 1730 |
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My only experience with a bad dampner plate was a bad one. It put rearward thrust to the pump of the velvet drive and shelled not one but two pumps. It was a very expensive lesson. Not saying yours will do that just saying mine did.
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2004 196 LE Ski 1969 Marauder 19 1978 Ski
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joshjanae
Groupie Joined: October-11-2015 Location: Arizona Status: Offline Points: 87 |
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Thanks, She is 7 years old. She tried skis, this last time out but we didn't have great success. I don't have trainers or anything, so that would probably help.
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