Need some expert advice and opinions

[Keifer2021]

I have an Eliminator Eagle 250 with a procharged 540. First trip out ran great day one and two. Third day out and it was making a slight banging noise and hard to idle from the motor. Took it to Eliminator and was diagnosed as loose valves on one side. Valves were adjusted, outdrive was serviced and when it was started up all sounded good. Next trip out boat fired right up and idled well. When trying to take off boat bogged down and would not reach RPM to get on plane until I backed off the throttle after about 10-15 seconds. Once it felt like it kicked in the boat roared to life and had no issues cruising 45-50. On several take offs when boat would come alive it would throw the power steering belt off too. Back on the trailer it went after second trip and its been sitting since. I pulled valve covers and exhaust off and found a small amount of water in the heads. No water in cylinders, no water in oil, compression check is 130 across all cylinders and plugs looks nice and dry. It is a procharged dart 540 with AFR heads, Holley HP efi system, and a dry exhaust system. I'm having a tough time finding anyone here in the High Desert that knows this motor to be able to diagnose it. I have extensive paperwork and build data on the motor which has roughly 100 hrs on it. Please see photos I have included and perhaps this is an issue someone is familiar with. I bought the boat 2 years ago and have only been able to enjoy it one trip for the first two days. This is very frustrating since I am mechanically inclined but not enough to know what to look for.

 

[Shlbyntro]

As far as the belt goes, start with replacing it with a new higher end belt. If it still continues to throw the belt you may want to consider upgrading to a serpentine setup.

With regards to the running issue, I'm thinking maybe they got the valves too tight when adjusting. But I wasn't there.....

A lot of engines will make excessive condensation that can collect in the valve covers. That could be all it is..... but I am also a serious opponent of aluminum heads on raw water cooled inboards. They just open up huge cans of worms as far as corrosion and longevity that could or may not be related to the water that you say you are seeing. If you're seeing the water in the exhaust ports, you could be looking at leaking exhaust or water inversion from too radical of a cam.

Of course this is all just speculation at this point but its a place to start.

Leak that engine down and establish a health base line. Follow it up with a complete tuneup

 

[ElAzul]

Hard to diagnose on the interwebs. Does the Holley do any data logging?

 

[AZLineman]

Hard to diagnose on the interwebs. Does the Holley do any data logging?

Agree. Need data if avail. Sounds like a fueling issue. Does it utilize an oil pressure sender for the fuel pump? If so they can occasionally krap out and you get intermittent fuel delivery. If I recall for a procharger you want between 45 and 65 psi ranging from idle to WOT. Good spark? All plugs look good? MSD? Cap/rotor clean and not worn or moisture inside? Good fuel pressure? I am assuming you mean water as in condensation under the valve covers? If so that can be common as temperatures decrease in the water is cooler. Not in cyl, plugs or noticeable oil contamination.