The Chevy Marinized airboat engine package has become the power source of preference for modern airboating. It is responsible for making large airboats perform as smaller boats did years ago. The GM Powertrain has introduced the world to commercial airboating because they now have the power to carry commercial pay loads. In addition, the recreational airboater benefits from this dependable performance in small as well as large airboats that the family can enjoy.
Classic Airboats is committed to making your experience a pleasant one and makes every effort to provide you with the technical help that will make your installation a successful one. Call us when you have an engine installation question.
The following suggestions are an exercise to check and recheck specifications so that no detail is left to Murphy's Law. This simple approach is basic and will require a bit of your time, but comfort and satisfaction that the T's are crossed and the I's dotted should be of great comfort.
To this end we suggest that you perform the following procedures on any new engine you receive from the factory, just to make sure. The factory will gladly perform the following preinstallation procedures before your engine is started, for the small additional charge of $75.00 to the purchase price of your engine. Some ask why we just do not do this procedure on all engines prior to shipment. The answer is simple. Some installers want to do this procedure themselves so why charge someone for something they wish to do themselves.
Preinstall Tips Before Starting Engine
1. Retorque Heads
2. Retorque Intake
3. Verify distributor timing is on #1 cylinder
4. Remove any thermostat rated above 160 degrees. In cold climates use a 160 degree thermostat with two 1/8 inch holes drilled in the thermostat housing. In warm climates, use a restrictor plate that regulates the engine temperature no to exceed 160 degrees.
NOTE:
A. The cooling system on your airboat installation is critical. Use the tried and proven system that we developed for the airboat industry.
B. When preparing your engine for installation do not attach the vacuum advance.
Preinstall Tips After Starting Engine
1. Do not attach vacuum advance.
2. Timing should be set so it never advances past 32 degrees total advance when the engine is wide open, full throttle. This check can be made when the airboat is on the trailor, in an open field. Make sure your airboat is securely strapped to the trailor and that the trailer is secured to a vehicle.
If this is confusing, please call us so we can assist.
3. Check oil pressure to make sure it is adequate.
4. Set RPM's at 800 to 900.
5. Engine water temperature should be 160 degrees. If greater than 160 degrees call factory. If less than 140 degrees call factory.
Preinstall Tips After One Hour Of Run Time
1. Change factory engine oil after first run. Avoid 40 and 50 weight oils.
2. Replace oil filter.
3. Check timing that it did not "jump timing" and stayed on 32 degrees max total advance when engine is wide open throttle.
4. Check your gauges for proper operation.
5. Check all hoses, clamps, and fittings for secure fits and proper tightness.
6. Check propeller bolts for proper torque.
Note:
When we deliver a unassembled engine package to you, it is automatically assumed in the industry that you have skills that are sufficient to understand installing a marine engine and that you are mechanically inclined to make a proper marine engine installation. The factory is always ready to assist you and answer questions, but you must call the get helpful advice. Remember there is a big difference in setting up an engine that is to be used in a marine environment than setting up an engine in a car or race car.
