could it be an electrical problem?

[kaltireman]

mariner 30hp approx 1990 model 30eo 689 s serial#250287 electric start<br />I haven't used my boat since it let me down last year(bad gas issue) I sprayed carb cleaner in the carb and ran it, it wouldn't idle so i adjusted a small screw on the starboard side of the carb near the top approx 3/4 turn out(it was only 1/4 turn from being all the way in) the engine idled and came up when i hit the gas. today I hit the lake and the engine ran fine high speed slow speed stopped the engine and restarted it everything was great after about a half an hour and running at full speed she began to lose power and sort of rattling(don't know how to explain it) tell tale was spraying water didn't seem overly hot waited for a minute then restarted it had to give full throttle to get it going would not run good at ful throttle so I headed for the lauch at slow speed half way back i tried it at full again it was Ok for a few minutes the lost power and rattled again so waited and restarted chugged along for home. when i was almost at the lauch i gave her again at it lost power and died it did want to start very sluggish on the starter which never happened the other times so my buddy was about to tow me the last few hundred feet and I got it going. Brought it home and it runs not badly in the driveway with the muffs on any ideas PLEASE HELP KEN COULD IT BE AND ELECTRICAL PROBLEM AND NOT THE CARB AT ALL??

 

[The Marine Doctor]

Re: could it be an electrical problem?

Please check the compression and spark.<br /><br />Then get back to us.<br /><br />TMD

 

[kaltireman]

Re: could it be an electrical problem?

I checked the spark appears to have very good spark. the compression on both cylinders is 140- 145 psi with 4-5 cranks of the engine,with 3 clicks of the key both cylinders are 130psi I hope with this info you can give me some ideas on how to correct my power loss problem Thanks PS where are you from in sask I used to live in Leader

 

[kaltireman]

Re: could it be an electrical problem?

Hi Marine Doctor I am patiently waiting for your reply Thanks Ken

 

[The Marine Doctor]

Re: could it be an electrical problem?

The fuel pump might be weak. Did you try the squeeze the bulb at all on the water when you were haveing troubles?<br /><br />Is the fuel tank venting?<br /><br />TMD

 

[kaltireman]

Re: could it be an electrical problem?

Thanks Marine Doc The bulb and line are brand new<br />I never checked the bulb before I restarted it <br />and I never pumped it to help restart although I <br />did have to give it full throttle to get it going <br />again Once I get my new impellor I'll give it a try and let you know. If i run it in a bucket will that create enough force to simulate being in the water or do you think I'll need the drag of the boat? The vent on the fuel tank is open> Thanks Ken

 

[kaltireman]

Re: could it be an electrical problem?

I found tonite after I primed the engine gas leaking from the connector the part on the gas line that hooks to the engine is cracked and the rubber seal is breaking apart will pick up a new one tommorrow I wonder if that is causing air to leak into the line??? Is that something that may cause you too lose power at high RPM???

 

[The Marine Doctor]

Re: could it be an electrical problem?

Yes. That will limit the flow of fuel as well as put air into the float bowl.<br /><br />As for running in a bucket or barrel...I advise against it.<--Possible that you might burn out the water pump.<br /><br />Although others have done it and have had success.<br /><br />TMD