Captain!!! I need more power!

[Garrett's Daddy]

1989 200, carbureted. recently had trouble starting, I use it every weekend (live in FL). Tank is clean, carbs rebuilt professionally March 2006 (mech. used to work for Bernie Little). The fuel tank is presumably clean, the spin on filter is clean on the inside to view (see no water), the bulb pumps hard but not like a rock. I pump the bulb and have fuel (small amount) in the lower housing of the motor (always have). Last weekend went fine at about 3K for 5-6 miles, motor started to slow, let off accelerator....stalled. Fired back up after cursing at it and plowed through water to get back to launch. Got home, inspected (looking for easy stuff), put in new plugs, life is good on the lake...few miles later, same problem. When it happened again, I pushed in my choke and it reved up headin for the races...slow down, stalls.

Please tell me this is something incredibly easy to fix.

 

[3car]

Re: Captain!!! I need more power!

any water on the plugs when you pulled them? oil fouled? Has good spark? If all seems well, I'd pull the carbs off , clean and reassemble. Replace the water seperator also.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Captain!!! I need more power!

Make sure the fuel tank is vented properly and when the problem occurs check the primer bulb to see if its being sucked flat. If so, there is a restriction in the fuel system between the inlet of the bulb and the fuel tank pickup. You might also try squeezing the primer bulb a time or two when the problem occurs. If she takes off, you have a fuel pump problem. Choking is a sign that the carbs are in need of attention but it could also point to the fuel pump. What I'm guessing is the problem, is that the pump is weak. It can therefore keep up at slow speeds but not at higher speeds. You kill the engine, crank a bit, the carbs refill and away you go -- for a little bit until the pump can not longer keep up, the carb float bowls drain and the cycle repeats.

 

[Garrett's Daddy]

Re: Captain!!! I need more power!

OK, that sounds viable, I got the boat used, not sure how old the fuel line components are. I would rather attack the pump than the carbs. The pump has not been touched as far as I know...carbs have, I will look to the pump.

Thanx!

 

[Garrett's Daddy]

Re: Captain!!! I need more power!

RE: plugs, no water, were a bit wet with fuel, replaced with NGKs with center fire pin.

 

[ssr65]

Re: Captain!!! I need more power!

I wonder if this is my problem too. I have a 1969 Merc 650, took it to the lake yesterday and was hard starting, after an hour it started slowly, warmed up, couldn't get more that 7 mph. When I stopped to have a swim, it had to be choked ALOT to start. Once it starts, upon putting it in gear, it dies. But it will idle strong and high when in neutral. Could it be the fuel pump not able to keep up with desired high speed?