Can't pull a skier anymore - Power Pack suspected

[Jeff Eichhorn]

I have a 1992 19' Sunbird Eurosport with 115 HP OMC Quiet Rider. I used to be able to pull up skiers with no problem. Now I seem to lack the power to pull them up and get the boat on plane. Someone suggested the power pack might be going bad. I'm a novice outboard motor owner and I'm on a tight budget. Can anyone help me diagnose the problem in simple terms and with out spending a lot of $$. Thanks in advance for any help you can provide

 

[Ross J]

Re: Can't pull a skier anymore - Power Pack suspected

Jeff, please bear with me for a minute.<br />Explain it a little further please, do you suspect the outboard motor has lost power itself? Could there be problems elsewhere (it would be cheaper). Could there be a 'bad' fuel issue? Could there be a prop problem (damaged, hub spun, that sort of thing)? Has the motor been worked on for any other reason and settings changed? Is the hull damaged? Have you changed from fresh water to salt water? Has the skiers gained weight! (cheeky I know but we must eliminate the obvious)? Any change to boat trim? Is the air filter clean?<br />Also note any changed you've noticed since the last time you used it. <br />Otherwise go for the motor and start with basic things like, air filter, fuel system, electrical system, water cooling, compression, timing etc.<br /><br />Someone told me a saying for cars that I find excellent - <br />P - petrol<br />O - oil<br />W - water<br />E - electrical<br />R - rubber<br />One day someone will tell me of one for boating. Good luck<br />Ross

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: Can't pull a skier anymore - Power Pack suspected

Jeff.... Regardless of the type problem, always start with a compression check (should be in the range of 100 psi and even on all cylinders), then do a spark check with the s/plugs out (should jump a 7/16" gap on all cylinders with a strong blue flame. You can rig a spark tester with a board, a few nails, and some wire.. or you could simply insert a medium size philips screwdriver into the spark plug boots and hold it near the powerhead.<br /><br />If the above is okay, and if the engine has been sitting for a few months, the possibility exists that the carburetor(s) have become fouled. If so, they will require removing, cleaning, and rebuilding.<br /><br />If the boat stays in the water, another posibility is that the bottom of the boat is fouled bad with barnacles etc. Let us know what you find.