Hey guys,
After a much needed basic tuneup - new spark plugs, fuel filter, plug wires - which I hoped would possibly fix my old problem - no luck.
My engine is a 35 hp 1987 Merc. I cannot get the thing to full power when on the water. When I rev it up full without the engine in gear it revs up great, no stuttering or anything, but when its under load, forget it, im getting about 2/3 power, and even then the thing cuts in and out. I know its firing both cylinders, it sounds more like its being starved for fuel. When it cuts out it sounds like its getting fuel in spurts.
A couple ideas here:
- Today when I had the boat out I noticed that the fuel tank cap was missing the little top screw that lets pressure out of the tank. Could this be the issue? Perhaps too much air is getting in the mix or there isn't a strong enough vacuum within the tank? Or is this little missing piece too insignificant to cause that much fuel loss?
-In the 7 years we've had the boat we've never replaced the fuel pump. I have no idea if the owner before us has. Can fuel pumps work intermitently or are they a "it either works or it doesn't" deal?
I'm a novice when it comes to boat engines. I know basic parts and basic functions so bear with me.
Thanks guys,
Jared
After a much needed basic tuneup - new spark plugs, fuel filter, plug wires - which I hoped would possibly fix my old problem - no luck.
My engine is a 35 hp 1987 Merc. I cannot get the thing to full power when on the water. When I rev it up full without the engine in gear it revs up great, no stuttering or anything, but when its under load, forget it, im getting about 2/3 power, and even then the thing cuts in and out. I know its firing both cylinders, it sounds more like its being starved for fuel. When it cuts out it sounds like its getting fuel in spurts.
A couple ideas here:
- Today when I had the boat out I noticed that the fuel tank cap was missing the little top screw that lets pressure out of the tank. Could this be the issue? Perhaps too much air is getting in the mix or there isn't a strong enough vacuum within the tank? Or is this little missing piece too insignificant to cause that much fuel loss?
-In the 7 years we've had the boat we've never replaced the fuel pump. I have no idea if the owner before us has. Can fuel pumps work intermitently or are they a "it either works or it doesn't" deal?
I'm a novice when it comes to boat engines. I know basic parts and basic functions so bear with me.
Thanks guys,
Jared