loosing power - fuel or electrical issues-4.3L Merc LX

rulong

Recruit
Joined
Sep 7, 2005
Messages
3
It seems that after running for a while I will start to loose RPMs and power, expecially if running over 3500 RPM. If there is any accessories on such as the bilge pump or blower and I turn these off the RPMs pick up for a few seconds and then come back down. The boat starts fine and normally runs great. I put a new battery in (measured 12.66V) and checked all connections. When I turn on all accessories and rev up to 1500 RPM I get about 14.4V measured at the battery. I also checked the alternator out while under load and it was putting out 14.7 However when I turn any accessories on or use my trim I notice that the voltage guage drop about 2 voltage points. Should I be looking for fuel problems instead? A new fuel filter was put in last year. This problem has been intermittent over the past 3 years.
 

Chris1956

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 25, 2004
Messages
28,574
Re: loosing power - fuel or electrical issues-4.3L Merc LX

The Alternator on that motor should put out 60 Amps or more. If you get a voltage drop when the motor is running when you turn on the blower, you have a bad alternator, or bad wiring on the alternator. Obviously test and clean the wiring first. Make sure the grounds are clean and tight as well.
 
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