6 replies to this topic

[Mike B]

I have had my boat out on the water a total of two weekends. First weekend was great but the second weekend I started having problems with one of my engines. After initial warm up and running around the lake I stop for a break about 30 minutes. When we start up, the engine hesitates at 3000 rpm and dies. The work around is to pop the choke briefly at 3000 and it gets it past that hump. Eventually, the problem goes away after playing with it for a few minutes but it is really frustrating!

I changed both plugs on both engines but that does not seem to resolve the issues. Anybody else have a similar experience?

Thanks for any pointers... Mike

[jester2473]

interested to hear a respose to this as mine is doing the exact same thing.

[Overkill]

I came here looking for help with a similar problem. Boat ran great when I bought it, started having trouble late last year. Once warmed up, left engine stalls around 2500 rpm. Idles good, starts OK, runs perfect from 4000 to 7000. Hard to get it from idle to 4000. Usually give it three quick pumps on the throttle to squirt gas in, then hit it to 3/4. Acts like no gas in the lower mid-range.

Changed plugs, fuel filters, checked compression, checked for air leaks on crankcase, fixed water regulator, rebuilt carbs, checked jet sizes (stock), disassembled and inspected carbs again, pulled fuel pickup from tank, pulled hair out and turned air blue. None of this made a difference.

Any other ideas?

[Overkill]

I switched the carbs from left to right on my boat and the problem followed the carbs. Even though I rebuilt them to stock specs, something isn't right. I changed needles and seats because they came with the kit. I think this leaned out the carbs slightly, even though they are within spec. I plan on changing the pilot jets from 65 to 75 when I get time. For now, it runs well enough.

[PHI_JAMMA]

Did you ever find the fix? My twin engine Challenger 1800 is doing the same thing. One engine struggles, lags, stalls but if you get it to 4000 RPM it works great. The 4000 - 7000 RPM range is excellent. Below that on the one engine is where the problem is! Did you solve your issue?

[Overkill]

I sent you a PM.  Reading my old post, now I'm not sure if I went to 70 or 75 on the pilot jets.  I'd have to find a receipt or something. 

Anyway, increaseing pilot jet size got me over the problem, but I might just be masking some other issue.  So far, so good.

[BigWayne]

Your pop-off may also be too high causing you to run lean. Consider adjusting your carb spring settings.