Scorpion168
Recruit
- Joined
- Apr 25, 2009
- Messages
- 5
I'm a newbie with an 84 Chris Craft with a Merc 140 - just bought this spring. I've been chasing and resolving (thanks to this forum) a few issues. On the lake this weekend and having two last issues (for now).
Problem 1 (tolerable): When backing boat from trailer it stalls. I start it at home on muffs and let it run a few minutes and then let it warm a few minutes at dock before backing. It will idle in reverse - but if I try to give any throttle - it dies. Trim at 1/2. Restarting is no problem.
Problem 2: Not sure if it's connected to problem 1 - Once away from dock, I ran at 3000 - 3200 rpm for an hour or so - runs great! Went through a 5 minute no wake at idle. Once I power up to 3000, a sputter/hesitation - even a slight backfire. I backed off, and it ran fine for a few minutes - then sputtering at 2800 - backed off to 2500, ran fine - then sputtering again. I though maybe too hot - turned on blower for a while - no help. I limped back to the dock. All gauges reading normal limits.
What I've done so far for all problems: replaced fuel filter, replaced fan belt, replaced alternator (I broke off a rusted bolt), replaced distributor cap (old one cracked), new NGK spark plugs (.035), drained old gas, cleaned carb with spray and pipe cleaner (as far as I could reach), cleaned spark arrestor (was very dirty), checked fuel system as described in the sticky forum.
From what I've read - possible solutions: Points? Coil? Timing? Would installing electronic ignition be worth it? I plan on doing this unless the guru's have other suggestions. I'm looking for some confirmation.
Thanks.
Problem 1 (tolerable): When backing boat from trailer it stalls. I start it at home on muffs and let it run a few minutes and then let it warm a few minutes at dock before backing. It will idle in reverse - but if I try to give any throttle - it dies. Trim at 1/2. Restarting is no problem.
Problem 2: Not sure if it's connected to problem 1 - Once away from dock, I ran at 3000 - 3200 rpm for an hour or so - runs great! Went through a 5 minute no wake at idle. Once I power up to 3000, a sputter/hesitation - even a slight backfire. I backed off, and it ran fine for a few minutes - then sputtering at 2800 - backed off to 2500, ran fine - then sputtering again. I though maybe too hot - turned on blower for a while - no help. I limped back to the dock. All gauges reading normal limits.
What I've done so far for all problems: replaced fuel filter, replaced fan belt, replaced alternator (I broke off a rusted bolt), replaced distributor cap (old one cracked), new NGK spark plugs (.035), drained old gas, cleaned carb with spray and pipe cleaner (as far as I could reach), cleaned spark arrestor (was very dirty), checked fuel system as described in the sticky forum.
From what I've read - possible solutions: Points? Coil? Timing? Would installing electronic ignition be worth it? I plan on doing this unless the guru's have other suggestions. I'm looking for some confirmation.
Thanks.
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