Got an old Cavalier as my first boat!
Posted: Thu Jun 08, 2017 9:13 am
Hello all, and I use that term loosely as there seems to be so little activity in this particular forum. Through a bit of luck, I am the owner of a 1966 16' Cavalier, hull number VUD-16-2074C. The boat has never been restored and is mostly original, it seems. I've decided to do some work on it, but for this season, I may just do enough to get it into the water and suss out what needs to be done next.
The motor runs, but has a burned exhaust valve in #4. Most cylinders have compression ranging from 120-135, but the one bad one is around 10. A leak down test on that cylinder shows 90% failure. I can hear the compressed air gurgling in the exhaust even when the valve is closed. A borescope through the plug hole reveals a bad spot on the valve and maybe the seat as well. I may pull the head next week and get that valve/seat repaired.
As long as I keep the RPMs up, the motor stays running, with a backfire occasionally. I can get as much as 3200 RPM after tickling the throttle a bit. I've only had it out a few times just to evaluate the boat. It handles nice and gets up on plane with just me in the boat. Add a few friends and it's not got the power to get moving very well.
I hope to find out more about the boat, and Cavaliers in general, and make a decision how to proceed with repairs. At the moment, it's a numbers-matching, never-been-restored boat with the original trailer. The seat cushions and the hummingbird fish finder seem to be the only non-original parts.
I've learned a lot already reading through these forums, and look forward to some engagement with other enthusiasts.
-Dan
The motor runs, but has a burned exhaust valve in #4. Most cylinders have compression ranging from 120-135, but the one bad one is around 10. A leak down test on that cylinder shows 90% failure. I can hear the compressed air gurgling in the exhaust even when the valve is closed. A borescope through the plug hole reveals a bad spot on the valve and maybe the seat as well. I may pull the head next week and get that valve/seat repaired.
As long as I keep the RPMs up, the motor stays running, with a backfire occasionally. I can get as much as 3200 RPM after tickling the throttle a bit. I've only had it out a few times just to evaluate the boat. It handles nice and gets up on plane with just me in the boat. Add a few friends and it's not got the power to get moving very well.
I hope to find out more about the boat, and Cavaliers in general, and make a decision how to proceed with repairs. At the moment, it's a numbers-matching, never-been-restored boat with the original trailer. The seat cushions and the hummingbird fish finder seem to be the only non-original parts.
I've learned a lot already reading through these forums, and look forward to some engagement with other enthusiasts.
-Dan