Took my 98 Vip Valiant out for the first time.

[VIP-Soto]

I purchased a 98 VIP Valiant on Saturday morning. It's 19' with the 4.3 Merc. She starts right up every time. The previous owner has not been using the boat for the past two years. He has winterized and summerized her every year.

Issues:

1. The boat wont run past 3000 rpm. Is this normal? It doesn't have the punch that I think it should. Starts off pretty weak and the nose sticks straight up in the air. Trim is all the way down. At this pace, I don't think I can pull a skier out of the water. It just feels weak.

2. Reverse - I can put her in reverse and she will slowly back up. BUT, if I give it gas in reverse, she dies. What gives?

 

[PolishPrince]

Re: Took my 98 Vip Valiant out for the first time.

It doesn't sound as if it's performing properly at all.
I'd start with the simple stuff first.....fresh gas, fuel filter(s), air filter and then run a good fuel system cleaner like Techron through the engine and see what you get.
There are more qualified people than me on this forum. I'm anxious to see their take on your problem.

 

[SeanT]

Re: Took my 98 Vip Valiant out for the first time.

Look up the Mercruiser manual elswhere on this site, it will tell you what the WOT RPM should be for your engine. You may need to locate your engine model number first.

The reverse problem I'm not sure, but there's already been some great ideas on where to start with that.

 

[VIP-Soto]

Re: Took my 98 Vip Valiant out for the first time.

Boat needed the timing adjusted and also replaced the impeller. While it was at the shop, had a full tune up done. It runs hard now. I love it.

 

[SeanT]

Re: Took my 98 Vip Valiant out for the first time.

Awesome!