Fuel Filter or Throttle Cable

[TNT]

Ok...my husband and I have a bet going.

Boat ran crappy today. Once we got it juiced up...it would run fine...then all of the sudden it was like the motor was straining for fuel....the speed was cut in half. After a few moments, it was like something was finally sucked through a tube and the boat ran fine again. That happened twice. Then we put it on the trailer and went home.

Throttle cable was replaced a month ago. He thinks it's the throttle.

I think it's the fuel filter....or bad oil to gas ratio.

Anyone have a clue where to start...we could both be wrong.

Thanks
Tammy

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Fuel Filter or Throttle Cable

hay fellow jacksonvilliean. what motor is it? how was the taletell stream, overheating can do that, crud in the carb, clogged vent on the fuel tank. seriously doubt it's the throttle cable.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Fuel Filter or Throttle Cable

I am leaning away from the throttle cable theory. My thoughts are either fuel starvation or a dodgy coil. And yes, what motor are we talking about ??

 

[TNT]

Re: Fuel Filter or Throttle Cable

It's a 135 hp Johnson....1973 or 74. An oldie...but runs like a champ. Until now.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Fuel Filter or Throttle Cable

Check and read the spark plugs. See if one is a different colour or carboned up. Let us know.

 

[TNT]

Re: Fuel Filter or Throttle Cable

Ok. I will. I'm even going to take a photo of things....maybe that will help as well.

Tomorrow...that is.

I appreciate your help. I'm on my way to winning this $5.00 bet. (But we all know it's not the $5.00 that matters)

Tammy

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Fuel Filter or Throttle Cable

Sure aint the 5 bucks Eh !!!!
Look forward to the photos. By the way do you have a compression tester ?? if so check it out as well. Mine works great and cost under $20 Canadian.

 

[TNT]

Re: Fuel Filter or Throttle Cable

Would this missing plate be the culprit...(see photo)

In that case....it would have something to do with the throttle.
(and there goes my $5)

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Fuel Filter or Throttle Cable

As long as the two black plastic pieces stay put, that's not the problem. But if either one pops out of there, you lose shifting or throttle control depending on which one pops out. You can make a plate out of a piece of scrap metal and bolt it on. Surging is generally a fuel issue. Try choking the engine when it begins to die off. If it picks up again you have a fuel delivery problem. Could be fuel pump, debris clogging the pickup in the tank, pinched fuel line, air leak in the line, fuel filter, bad primer bulb or carbs that are due for rebuilding. If choking doesn't help, it would appear to be an electrical problem (intermittent spark) which might be as simple to repair as changing plugs.

 

[TNT]

Re: Fuel Filter or Throttle Cable

As long as the two black plastic pieces stay put, that's not the problem. But if either one pops out of there, you lose shifting or throttle control depending on which one pops out. You can make a plate out of a piece of scrap metal and bolt it on. Surging is generally a fuel issue. Try choking the engine when it begins to die off. If it picks up again you have a fuel delivery problem. Could be fuel pump, debris clogging the pickup in the tank, pinched fuel line, air leak in the line, fuel filter, bad primer bulb or carbs that are due for rebuilding. If choking doesn't help, it would appear to be an electrical problem (intermittent spark) which might be as simple to repair as changing plugs.

They didn't pop out. ok...so good.

What is the best way to check for air leaks and debri?

I'm going to go and take a half hour to tinker. I'll be back.

 

[TNT]

Re: Fuel Filter or Throttle Cable

ok...checked the fuel filter....it was clean (notice the gas line on bottom left...should I cut an inch off and reattach?)

Then I checked the spark plugs.....the last one...well, wouldn't it figure...dirty

Stuck it on a wire brush wheel....and she's clean. (Thanks goodness for maintenance men )

Should I keep going?

 

[hoeser]

Re: Fuel Filter or Throttle Cable

What... the... hell...

I've never seen a plug like that in my life.

When is the last time you changed them?

 

[hoeser]

Re: Fuel Filter or Throttle Cable

I suspect you both are going to lose this bet.

 

[TNT]

Re: Fuel Filter or Throttle Cable

Look....I just got my hands on the boat. We WILL be getting new plugs before the boat goes out again. (My husband is not mechanical)

I cleaned the plug to find out of the problem still persists. I can only imagine how much better it will run with new plugs.

If we both lose the bet...then so be it. But I sure as heck will learn from it.

By the way....Evinrude.....I WANT ONE OF THOSE!

 

[hoeser]

Re: Fuel Filter or Throttle Cable

Was it just one of 4 plugs that came out like that? If so, that just should not be.

Who is evinrude and what is it that you want of his? I'm confused. I've probably missed something.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Fuel Filter or Throttle Cable

that plugs looks like it has had some salt water intrusion. and was left to rust. new plugs, and see what happens. go to home depot/lowes in the hardware dept, the have short pieces of flat stock metal strips, cut a piece to fit over the throttle and shift cable, drill a hole in it. and bolt it on. before you get stranded.

 

[TNT]

Re: Fuel Filter or Throttle Cable

Was it just one of 4 plugs that came out like that? If so, that just should not be.

Who is evinrude and what is it that you want of his? I'm confused. I've probably missed something.

Nope...just that one plug.

Evinrude...the motor on you boat. The new Evinrudes are the best for our waterways.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Fuel Filter or Throttle Cable

That plug hasn't fired since Hector was a pup. And you said -- "An oldie...but runs like a champ. Until now." I suspect that plug is fouled with gunk due to water getting into that cylinder. That would seem to indicate a head gasket is also due for replacement. Geez man -- do some maintenance. Plugs are less than two bucks each. Be a sport. Forget the wire wheel. The hose going onto the black plastic piece on the fuel pump looks like it's ready to fall off. Loosen the clamp, push the hose fully onto the fitting and get the clamp over the hump, not on it. As for air leaks, check every hose and every clamp. Replace pieces that even remotely questionable. In looking further, every hose clamp on the fuel pump is misplaced.

 

[TNT]

Re: Fuel Filter or Throttle Cable

That plug hasn't fired since Hector was a pup. And you said -- "An oldie...but runs like a champ. Until now." I suspect that plug is fouled with gunk due to water getting into that cylinder. That would seem to indicate a head gasket is also due for replacement. Geez man -- do some maintenance. Plugs are less than two bucks each. Be a sport. Forget the wire wheel. The hose going onto the black plastic piece on the fuel pump looks like it's ready to fall off. Loosen the clamp, push the hose fully onto the fitting and get the clamp over the hump, not on it. As for air leaks, check every hose and every clamp. Replace pieces that even remotely questionable. In looking further, every hose clamp on the fuel pump is misplaced.

Silvertip...I took the boat out the last three weekends in a row..and she ran great.

I'm trying to do maintenance that is why I am here. My husband thinks everything fixes itself. (and don't try to tell him different!)

When we moved here in October, I was the one that insisted we have a boat...(used one to start....he needs to learn) he loves it...but proving to be afraid of the maintenance.

I will be replacing hoses this week....along with spark plugs. Don't shoot me in the foot yet!

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Fuel Filter or Throttle Cable

keep at it girl!!! we love our femine members.