2008 VP 5.0 GL surging at idle, runs rich

[Andy_M]

My 5.0 GL surges at idle, runs rich and is only turning 4100 at WOT (should be 4800+ ?). Runs great otherwise. Any suggestions are appreciated!

 

[skydiveD30571]

What is your engine starting procedure, both warm and cold? Also, how can you tell it is running rich?

Has this boat always been 700rpm lower than the suggested WOT since you bought it? Have you tried other props?

 

[Bondo]

My 5.0 GL surges at idle, runs rich and is only turning 4100 at WOT (should be 4800+ ?). Runs great otherwise. Any suggestions are appreciated!

Ayuh,..... Welcome Aboard,..... Start with the easy steps,.....

Pull the fuel filter, 'n inspect it's contents for water, 'n crud,....

Put on a new filter, 'n try it,....

 

[Andy_M]

Thanks, Bondo, will start there
Skydive: cold start I pump the throttle a couple times, fires right up then I run at about 1000 RPM for a few till it will hold idle on its own; warm, just crank it, usually starts without any extra throttle......Last year I was getting 4700-4800 at close to 50 MPH (boat speedo, accuracy questionable), just doesn't seem to have the same top end. I say it runs rich cuz you can really smell the fuel in the exhaust, smells like an old 70's Ford pickup......Thanks!

 

[Volphin]

Just for jollies I'd pull the plugs and read them, after you check the filter.

 

[Dave-R]

Kind of sounds like maybe the choke could be sticking closed, or needs adjusting. Easy to check. Dave-R

 

[Andy_M]

Update: Replaced plugs, wires, cap, rotor & fuel filter, runs great now, back to 50 mph at 4900 WOT, idle is fine. Did find a bad plug wire in the process of changing the cap, may have been the whole issue, but the tune up was needed anyway. thanks for the input!