3.0LX engine will not reach WOT

[jasmo123]

Hello,
This will be my second post now. I have a 97 Searay 175BR with a Mercruiser 3.0LX engine S/N 0K----- . I was pretty sure my Gimbal bearing was getting ready to go but I feel like it had not been greased in a while. Took it out a few weeks ago and I had a noticeable growl when turning right. But since the boat is new to me I went out and got me some marine grease and shot plenty of grease in the Gimbal zerk. Well took it out yesterday and that noise is no longer there. I hope this fixed it. I inspected the bellows really well and it appears to be in good shape so I don't think water is getting in. Any thoughts on this "fix" would be appreciated.

Now we did alot of water sports yesterday and I was pretty hard on the boat. I hit a good size wake pretty hard toward the end of the day and after that the boat was sick when pulling a tube and would not reach WOT anymore. Earlier in the day it had done fine reaching WOT. So my guess is I have trash in the fuel? I don't think I have a fuel water seperating filter. I may need to change the fuel pump and clean the carb filters. I am not sure. Any other thoughts on this would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[jasmo123]

Re: 3.0LX engine will not reach WOT

Anyone?

 

[mkast]

Re: 3.0LX engine will not reach WOT

Get yourself the correct Mercruiser manual and follow the troubleshooting guide.

 

[jasmo123]

Re: 3.0LX engine will not reach WOT

I already have the Mercruiser manual. I was hoping for more real world experience. Engine is already tuned up the bottom is clean. Has been running good with an occasional hiccup whenever I hit a hard wave. This lack of power would only last a few minutes before but now seems to persist. Ignition and electrical are ok so I am guessing it must be fuel. I have ordered a new fuel pump filter and will clean the carb one with carb cleaner. I hope this helps this problem. Usually Don or Bondo will provide good responses to alot of questions.

 

[Bondo]

Re: 3.0LX engine will not reach WOT

Ayuh,.... Thanks for the Vote of Confidence,....

I'd think that greaseing the gimbel bearing Might have bought you alittle time,...
But,...
If it was Growling,.... It's Beat,+ needs replacing....
And,....
The Only way to inspect the Bellows is by Pulling the Drive......

As for the lack of Power,.....
Change the Fuel Filters,+ if possible Add a water seperating filter just before the fuelpump...

If that Don't fix it,....
We can go farther, later.....

Good Luck....