Ford 351w - Merc 233 - Will not go above 2300 RPMs

[Eisbrecher]

Hello, I am new to the forums here. I have been looking around trying to find something similar to my problem with no luck. The boat is a 22ft Sea Ray 220 CC. As far as I know, the motor is a 351w and the out drive is a pre-alpha. So far this year, we have replaced the power trim cylinders, new batteries, new distributor cap, and a fresh coat of anti fouling paint. The motor seems to run kind of rough at idle - with the idle rpm being slightly under 1000. The problem however occurs when exiting the break wall and going out onto the lake. The boat will not reach a high enough power level to plane and the rpms top out at 2300, i do not know much about boat motors, but that doesn't seem right to me. The prop currently on the boat is a 17 pitch I believe, and the motor bogs at 2k when sitting at the dock, so I do not think the prop size has anything to do with it. Any knowledge or help would be greatly appreciated, thanks!

P.S. A new fuel/water separator has been put in as well.

 

[maxxman04]

Re: Ford 351w - Merc 233 - Will not go above 2300 RPMs

check the engine timing. a manual can explain the steps for your motor. also, tune up (plugs, rotor, fuel filter). check vacuum hoses for breaks or cracks.

 

[Eisbrecher]

Re: Ford 351w - Merc 233 - Will not go above 2300 RPMs

Thanks, I will get on that in the morning when I can see.

 

[jimbo3123]

Re: Ford 351w - Merc 233 - Will not go above 2300 RPMs

The first thing I would do is to get the manual. Luckily, you can download it for free from this forum. It's under the "Adults Only" thread on this forum, Mercruiser Service Manuals.

I have a 233 as well.
I had a bad condenser that was causing similar problems for me earlier this year. The engine would idle OK, but would sputter at anything over about 2k RPM.

 

[Eisbrecher]

Re: Ford 351w - Merc 233 - Will not go above 2300 RPMs

Thanks, I will try that as well.

 

[Wet Wonder]

Re: Ford 351w - Merc 233 - Will not go above 2300 RPMs

I had the same problem with the same exact motor. I opened up the distributor and found the spring weights broken - so no timing advance. I just put in a new distributor, Pertronix Distr with Ignitor II elec ignition, $223 total at www.carshopinc.com.

 

[Eisbrecher]

Re: Ford 351w - Merc 233 - Will not go above 2300 RPMs

Thanks a bunch for the input guys, going to the dock tomorrow to see what i can do. Thanks again.

 

[jimbo3123]

Re: Ford 351w - Merc 233 - Will not go above 2300 RPMs

I had the same problem with the same exact motor. I opened up the distributor and found the spring weights broken - so no timing advance. I just put in a new distributor, Pertronix Distr with Ignitor II elec ignition, $223 total at www.carshopinc.com.

I also installed the Ignitor II electronic ignition recently.
The kit that I used worked with the existing distributor. It seems to be working great. The Part Number is: 91581. It was under $100.

 

[Eisbrecher]

Re: Ford 351w - Merc 233 - Will not go above 2300 RPMs

Alright guys, I went down to the dock and looked at the suggestions made. I took the cap off of the distributor, as well as the plate above the springs. The springs were not broken or anything. Today it would hit 2500rpms then attempt to quit (while in neutral). I am headed to the parts store to purchase a new fuel filter - had someone help me out and we could not see fuel in the carb. I was under the impression that it had been changed, we will see. Thanks again.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Ford 351w - Merc 233 - Will not go above 2300 RPMs

I am headed to the parts store to purchase a new fuel filter - had someone help me out and we could not see fuel in the carb. I was under the impression that it had been changed, we will see.

Ayuh,... If that don't work,.... Rebuild the Carb...

 

[Eisbrecher]

Re: Ford 351w - Merc 233 - Will not go above 2300 RPMs

PROBLEM SOLVED! Went to the autoparts store and purchased a new fuel filter and a new rotor button. Turns out, the rotor button that was sold to me last year was the completely wrong size, I replaced the filter anyway also. Thanks again for all of the help guys.

 

[jimbo3123]

Re: Ford 351w - Merc 233 - Will not go above 2300 RPMs

Glad to hear you got it working.
Thanks for the follow-up!