Motor sputters, never reaches full speed

[18andup]

I have a 130 hp 3.0 liter Mercruiser with a Mercury Alpha 1 outdrive. The gas was probably as low as I hav ever had it, gauge says 1/2 tank. The boat started out OK, one good run across the lake, then I backed down and the engine sputtered out when idling. Then the boat rattled the rest of the day, like it was a bad idle. I trid to pull a skier but the boat never reach speed, with throttle all the way down it only went 20 when normally it is 35 to 40mph. Speed kicked in once but never again. Is this a water in gas issue or is there something else I should look for.

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Motor sputters, never reaches full speed

I think it is.......I would check the water separator first.....J

 

[18andup]

Re: Motor sputters, never reaches full speed

I pulled the fuel water separator off and dumped it. I did notice the cup for the filter was dipped in adhesive/paint when manufactured, the gas had separated the paint from the metal and it was thin skin of paint loose inside the cup. I peeled all that off and reassembled the filter cup. I also topped the tank off with 93 Octane gas. the fuel take was 1/2 full. I will see if this helped.

 

[vipzach]

Re: Motor sputters, never reaches full speed

Originally posted by 18andup:<br /> I pulled the fuel water separator off and dumped it. I did notice the cup for the filter was dipped in adhesive/paint when manufactured, the gas had separated the paint from the metal and it was thin skin of paint loose inside the cup. I peeled all that off and reassembled the filter cup. I also topped the tank off with 93 Octane gas. the fuel take was 1/2 full. I will see if this helped.

When you say that you pulled the seperator off, it sounds like you are talking about the filter that is on the fuel pump, not a water seperator. A seperator will lokk like an oil filter and you should not be able to see paint in the bottom of it. They are usually in line before the pump. <br />Your problem does sound like water though.

 

[18andup]

Re: Motor sputters, never reaches full speed

I think you are right it was the fuel filter. Any other suggestions? Could it be a fouled spark plug? I also heard it could be a head gasket? I have not checked it on the lake yet.

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Motor sputters, never reaches full speed

Yes, but do you have a water separating fuel filter?

 

[vipzach]

Re: Motor sputters, never reaches full speed

There is also a filter in the carb, if you don't have a seperator then put one on there and see if it helps. It could be alot of things, but it sounds kinda like water.