Universal 54-11 Help Needed

[David Ullrich]

Here's the situation: My Universal 54-11 just isn't running right. It has lost almost 1/2 of its power. The boat used to cruise @ 5.5 knots and top out at almost 6.5. Now WOT=4.5 knots! It just won't rev out the way it used to. It revs up for a second or two then back down. But even when reving up it never really reached WOT. But it revs out all the way in neutral, just not under load. The engine hasn't used much for it's age. In fact, for the past 5 years it has had less than 50 hours per season.Things I have tried: Change fuel filter, clean Water Fuel Separator, had injectors removed and cleaned, was told they appear to be bench firing fine. Any thoughts on where to look?

 

[David Ullrich]

P.S.

The tras. was completely replaced (new not rebuilt) about 3 years ago, and seems to still be fine.

 

[Bob Corkern]

5411

David Let me know what you find. I amin the process of purchasing a Cat 30 (83) with a 5411. Many pros and cons. Would like to know what you find.Thanks,Bob

 

[W.Smith]

5411 Rev problem

I used to have a 5411 in a Catalina 27...it was a fine engine.  Have you considered your packing gland? I know it sounds silly, but a 5411 is not a powerful engine, and the fact that you don't get the slowdown until you gear up might mean that your packing gland is too tight. Have you tried one of the "no drip" packing materials? If not you should consider it to eliminate nearly all friction and a lot of the dripping. My 5411 was very sensitive to how much pressure I put on the gland, it (the gland) would heat up very quickly without lots of water dripping through it. I have a pretty underpowered 30 now (14 hp), and with the no-drip stuff from West Marine (about $50), I noticed much improved rpm's when I put it in gear, not to mention a bone dry boat. Good luck.

 

[Richard Randall]

more info please

Do you notice any differences, other than loss of power? Is it smoking more or less, any change in color of smoke, is it hard to start, running too hot or cold, vibrating more? Does the engine still run smoothly, or does it vibrate when loosing power? Also, how old is it, and roughly how many hours are on it?Given the fact that it revs up, then slows down, I'd guess you had a fuel problem. It's possible your fuel pump is going out, delivering enough fuel to run at low speed and under no load, but not enough to produce full power at high rpm. However, these fuel pumps don't often give trouble, so the trail may lead elsewhere. On another tack, have you checked to be sure you don't have something fouling the prop?

 

[Bob Robeson]

Poor RPM's.

I had a Newport 33 with a simular problem. It not only lost about 1/3 of its RPM's it also overheated if I tried to run it hard.The Fix:I had a kink in the exhaust hose. When I straighten it out, boy did she run, no overheating either.Bob

 

[David Ullrich]

Problem Found!!

Thank-you for all your advice. It seems that the internal throttle was not opening all the way. The lever on the top of the engine would move all the way, but the internal parts were worn and had plenty of ply. The fix was simply - 3 washers! Also, I just noticed that the water jacket from the exhaust manifold is rusted out and leaking. It may be partly plugged which would contribute tp the problem with increased backpressure. I have never tightened nor repacked my stuffing box, except for 1/4 turn after the first season. Yes, it leak a bit (slow dribble) but not a bit deal as it only does no when under power. So I'm back to loving my 54-11.