I have a 1988 Mercruiser 3.0L 181 CID 130hp sterndrive engine that is having the following issue.
Starts fine, holds a low idle at 600-650.
Shifts into forward/reverse and cruises along slowly no issues. Can leave the dock at slow speed in reverse, stop then move into forward and cruise along fine.
***When trying to throttle up, sputters and almost dies, hesitates when trying to push to full throttle, but then catches and goes along fine, up to 32-35mph. This happens if I am easing into it, or pushing forward faster to simulate pulling up a waterskier.
***AND, more troubling,, when returning back down to idle slowly, or to go into neutral, it always sputters out and stalls. The engine will start back up without an issue.
I have tried slowing down in increments, or very quickly, with the same result each time. Little problematic when I think it is OK, then it stalls as I am reaching the dock!
Last year we had the shift controller replaced, the accelerator pump replaced. This year it has all new plugs, new cap, points, condenser, and new ignition coil. Gas is end of last season but had stabilizer in it. Also timed the engine to 8, but see now it should have been 6, so I will adjust that tomorrow.
What is my next step in diagnosis/repair of this issue?
Thinking either carb needs a good rebuild/cleaning, or a problem with the shifter adjustment?
Thanks for whatever help you all can give!
Starts fine, holds a low idle at 600-650.
Shifts into forward/reverse and cruises along slowly no issues. Can leave the dock at slow speed in reverse, stop then move into forward and cruise along fine.
***When trying to throttle up, sputters and almost dies, hesitates when trying to push to full throttle, but then catches and goes along fine, up to 32-35mph. This happens if I am easing into it, or pushing forward faster to simulate pulling up a waterskier.
***AND, more troubling,, when returning back down to idle slowly, or to go into neutral, it always sputters out and stalls. The engine will start back up without an issue.
I have tried slowing down in increments, or very quickly, with the same result each time. Little problematic when I think it is OK, then it stalls as I am reaching the dock!
Last year we had the shift controller replaced, the accelerator pump replaced. This year it has all new plugs, new cap, points, condenser, and new ignition coil. Gas is end of last season but had stabilizer in it. Also timed the engine to 8, but see now it should have been 6, so I will adjust that tomorrow.
What is my next step in diagnosis/repair of this issue?
Thinking either carb needs a good rebuild/cleaning, or a problem with the shifter adjustment?
Thanks for whatever help you all can give!