rough top end, cleaning up engine

[Kemp Dawson]

Just got a 1961 Triton with a raw water cooling system. The engine runs ok except for the top end (1800-2000) is rough running. Among the many things I need to know is the addition of fresh water cooling at this point usefull and will the addition of the electronic ignition a fix of the top end roughness? What can I use other than Rustoleom to dress up all the rust?

[Don Moyer]

Hi Kemp,

I'll try to sort through your questions in turn:

1) Is the addition of fresh water cooling at this point useful?

If you have any long-term plans for your boat, the addition of fresh water cooling is virtually always a good thing. It will prevent any further corrosion and/or collection of crud in your water jackets.

2) Will the addition of electronic ignition fix of the problem of top end roughness?

Installing an Ignitor would cure the trouble you're experiencing at higher RPM so long as the problem is due to bad points. I would take a small piece of cardboard and clean the contacts of the points to see if that makes any difference. If it does, an Ignitor would almost assuredly correct the problem. If cleaning the points does not help, I would try to adjust the main jet of the carburetor. It may be that the carburetor is running a bit on the lean side, which would give you the same indications.

Best regards,

Don Moyer

[Kemp Dawson]

Thanks Don,
Just had my 1961 Triton surveyed today and we decided that a fresh water system is a must. I will try your suggestions for the points. This is our family boat and I don't plan on it leaving anytime soon so I am looking to make it last for quite some time.
Thanks again,
Kemp