Mercruiser 4.5l low vacuum, WOT 4350 and higher fuel consumption

damo79

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Hi everyone. I'm trying to figure out what's wrong with my engine. Noticed it won't rev above 4300 and fuel consumption is 30% higher than usual at 3000rpm and 50% at 4000rpm. It's 4.5l 250HP Mercruiser Bayliner VR5. Compression 180psi each cylinder, new TMAP and O2 sensors. See attached diagnostic checks on Diacom Marine for idle, 3000, 4000 and WOT(4350). Any ideas what's wrong with it?
 

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alldodge

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Welcome
What is your motor serial number?

I'm not seeing any misfires but have you replaced your distributor cap and rotor? The caps are well know to look good but be bad
 

Scott06

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Hi everyone. I'm trying to figure out what's wrong with my engine. Noticed it won't rev above 4300 and fuel consumption is 30% higher than usual at 3000rpm and 50% at 4000rpm. It's 4.5l 250HP Mercruiser Bayliner VR5. Compression 180psi each cylinder, new TMAP and O2 sensors. See attached diagnostic checks on Diacom Marine for idle, 3000, 4000 and WOT(4350). Any ideas what's wrong with it?
Not sure if @muc may be able to weigh in.
 

damo79

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Jul 27, 2025
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No and tried two different props didn't see much difference. I noticed that intake manifold pressure is too low at idle. It's only 12.9inHg at idle as you can see on the screen and 12inHg showing on gauge. Not sure how much it should under load when on plane but seems very low.
 

nola mike

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Your manifold pressure is going the wrong way. At idle was the vacuum steady? You said you replaced TMAP, is that the MAP sensor? That would be my initial thought, or intake restriction somewhere. Is your throttle opening all the way? Fuel trim is good, which means that whatever air it thinks it's getting is correct.
 

Scott06

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Your manifold pressure is going the wrong way. At idle was the vacuum steady? You said you replaced TMAP, is that the MAP sensor? That would be my initial thought, or intake restriction somewhere. Is your throttle opening all the way? Fuel trim is good, which means that whatever air it thinks it's getting is correct.
good catch yes vacuum at idle should be higher than throttle open near WOT should be less than 3" would think
 

damo79

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Jul 27, 2025
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Your manifold pressure is going the wrong way. At idle was the vacuum steady? You said you replaced TMAP, is that the MAP sensor? That would be my initial thought, or intake restriction somewhere. Is your throttle opening all the way? Fuel trim is good, which means that whatever air it thinks it's getting is correct.
What do you mean wrong way? TMAP it's integrated MAP with temperature sensor. New sensor readings in Diacom verified with gauge and shows the same. Needle steady at 12inHg on idle. But should be 17-22 not 12. Checked throttle body works full range to 90deg.
 

damo79

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Jul 27, 2025
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Check fuel pressure at the rail.

Ive found most marine motors manifold pressures are a tad lower than autos


Its list each cylinder but no actual numbers so no misfires
Fuel pressure steady at 45psi - checked under load while on plane.
 

Fun Times

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With 600+ hours, is this a fresh or salt water boat mostly?

If you haven’t, pull the small vacuum line off the fuel regulator and see if it’s dripping fuel..

Pull and check your Positive Crankcase Ventilation Valve for rattling sounds, etc..

Another area that warrants opening up for inspection would be the entire catalyst exhaust system for blockage including the back flow water stopper flappers not allowing air to escape should they have broke apart.

Does the engine sound normal or is there a change in pitch throughout full RPM range?
 
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