engine idles fine but in gear dies, Seeking advice...

[mamak]

We recently purchased an '87 Searay with an OMC 4.3L V6. It ran great the first three times we had it out but on the 4th trip it suddenly went downhill .... It now idles fine and engine revs good when in nuetral, but as soon as it is put in forward or reverse, it sputters a little, and then dies. What's up with that? Can anyone please help me out?

 

[TiredoleBoy]

Re: engine idles fine but in gear dies, Seeking advice...

Shift cable adjustment or seizing up?

 

[jtmarten]

Re: engine idles fine but in gear dies, Seeking advice...

Not sure on OMC, but I'm sure it has a shift interrupt switch. May be bad or just sticky and not releasing quick enough to keep the engine running.

 

[ncpearldiver]

Re: engine idles fine but in gear dies, Seeking advice...

Hey,
My 1993 4.3LX was doing the same thing. Seemed like it would do it most when I was in a damn tight spot too. I had a new shift cable and bellows installed and it works perfectly. It will cause you total havoc if you dont replace it.

 

[Bondo]

Re: engine idles fine but in gear dies, Seeking advice...

We recently purchased an '87 Searay with an OMC 4.3L V6. It ran great the first three times we had it out but on the 4th trip it suddenly went downhill ....

Ayuh,.... How much Crud is in the fuel Filters,..??