Can the weather really effect an engine?

[TwoStroke]

Took Popeye out yesterday afternoon to warm up. Initially stalling on tick over so swapped batteries over and all ok. Once out, popped out quickly but was then straining on top speed. With throttle wide open, engine felt to be holding back and sounding slightly off tune - especially compared to last weekend.

Was wondering whether the damp in the air could cause this or am I looking at something more serious? Batteries are coming off this week for charging.

P.S. my 400th post!!!

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[Nauti Fox]

Have you checked for water in the fuel/carb?,sounds like it may be that,you can also get carb ice forming which gradually makes the mixture richer(same as if you had left the choke on)which would clear if you turned the engine off for a couple of minutes.Does'nt normally affect high revs too much though.If it turns out to be carb ice you can get an addative called Silkolene Pro FST which cures it.Hope its of some help.
Al

<hr width=100% size=1>No dear,the water goes in the other one.

 

[TwoStroke]

Am popping down later this week so will have a good poke around. Thanks for your thoughts. Much appreciated.

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[Dave_Snelson]

I have often found that cold damp air can improve an engine, and many tests have been carried out to prove or disprove this regularly quoted theory.

<hr width=100% size=1>Madoc Yacht Club
<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.madocyachtclub.co.uk>http://www.madocyachtclub.co.uk</A>

 

[TwoStroke]

My engineer has just called to say he's taken Popeye out - and all is fine! Doing well over 35kts and pulling over 5000rpm. Can't fault it and especially likes the handling and thinks it'll out run the other little boats down here.

Sods Law here I think!!

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[Nauti Fox]

Carb ice tends to form when there's a lot of moisture in the air,as the air goes through the carbs venturi, the pressure and temperature drop.The water in the air can condense and form ice on the butterfly/slide/body,cutting down the amount of air that goes into the engine,normally the heat from the engine stops this happening.Some engines have carb heaters(dodgy italian motorbikes especially)or hot air (light aircraft)to cure this.
Al

<hr width=100% size=1>No dear,the water goes in the other one.

 

[TwoStroke]

Thanks Al

Am going to monitor air temp / weather against engine performance / carb inspection - see if I can find a link as you might be correct here.

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[the_wanderer]

Once had a 1955 Norton ES2 500cc motorbike that used to love cold damp mornings. Used to go like the clappers! For it's day. Damp will only affect the electrics, except when it is in the fuel.

Good luck.

Alan.

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