MercCruiser Bogging Down Etc.

[1979SeaRay]

Reading Harrydnyc's post prompted me to write this one. I recently had several parts in my lower unit replaced and ever since I got it back from the marina the Alpha 1 Merc Cruiser lower unit will clang really hard whenever I try to shift into reverse and usually stalls. I am guessing the shift linkage is off. Another problem I am having is the boat bogging down at high speeds, I was heading in after a day of fishing and prolonged trolling at low speed and when I went to put the boat in full throttle it hesitated for a while before picking up speed, then just when I hit about 25 mph it started to putter and bog down, it slowly lost power then maxed out at 12 mph when at full throttle. Now when I try starting the engine in neutrel it putters out as it idles. It runs fine when I give it gas when in neutral but when I shift the throttle back to idle, stalls. I assumed it was a carb issue so I tried adjusitng the rochester carbs but I just made it worse, I cant seem to get it to idle good. Last piece of the puzzle: the last few times I have tried to start the boat the started didnt engage, I just hear a click sound, I'll try starting it again and then after a few tries it will begin to crank and start. I am wondering if any or all of these problems are related. Can the shift linkage cause the boat to bog down or not start? Can the timing be off and cause it to bog down and not start? Do you think they are 3 seperate problems? Sorry for the long post. BTW the engine is a Mercury 898 which is the GM V-8.

 

[Rhadley]

Re: MercCruiser Bogging Down Etc.

Dude-you've got issues....I think you're right, that the linkage needs adjusting. I'd have them fix that first and see what other problems remain. I assume you're already paid for that work anyway.<br /><br />There is a spot during shifting that engages a cut-out switch that momentarily kills the engine so shifting is smoother. Maybe the linkage is set to activate the switch at the wrong time.<br /><br />The starter relay might be the clicking you hear. Are the connections clean to it and the starter?

 

[rbezdon]

Re: MercCruiser Bogging Down Etc.

I think you have several issues and until you solve and seperate them, it is going to be difficukt to help you get on the water. I suspect you may have a water leak issue as well which could be serious if you dont fix it. The starter issue where you get the click and the engine doesnt turn over could be because of hydrolock. If this is the case you need to fix this as soon as possible. If the risers or something is letting water get in the cylinders (and possibly the oil) then one of these times you are going to try to start the engine and find it seized and essentially unrepairable due to rust in the cylinders.

 

[tommays]

Re: MercCruiser Bogging Down Etc.

http://www.iboats.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=24;t=012808 <br /><br />use this don's post for the starter click<br /><br />if the marina repiared you drive and it wont go into gear correctly NOW what do they have to say ?<br /><br />did the boat have a tuneup this season with new parts ?<br /><br />tommays

 

[1979SeaRay]

Re: MercCruiser Bogging Down Etc.

Well it turns out the problem was the guy whom I bought the boat from this year had the wrong distributer cap and rotor. He also had installed an electronic ignition. The ignition cam was disassembled on the rotor shaft. This got the boat started, the engine bogging down was due to two bad plug wires and plugs (plugs I replaced in June, didnt replace wires beacuse they looked pretty new). Now the boat runs good, 4000 rpm at WOT. I went ahead and replaced the slave solenoid and there are no more starting or bogging problems. <br /><br />Now as for the shifting problem I am getting a little concerned there is a loose part in the lower unit because the problem comes and goes and only occurs when in reverse. Sometimes when I put it into reverse it will clang loudly and stall then other times it shifts in nice and smooth. I dont hear anything any other time. I dont have any experience with lower units so I am hesitant to start taking it apart. Any ideas?

 

[vipzach]

Re: MercCruiser Bogging Down Etc.

Don't take it apart, have the guy who put the parts in check it out. If something was done wrong and you take it apart, he would not cover it under warranty. Check with him first.

 

[1979SeaRay]

Re: MercCruiser Bogging Down Etc.

Thats what I was thinking. I vowed to never take my boat back to the marina I had it in because I had such a bad experience but then again I would be paying $100/hr to take it somewhere else to fix thier mistakes. I think I ll request to have a different mechanic look at it since it is still under warranty.

 

[rbezdon]

Re: MercCruiser Bogging Down Etc.

FI they didnt fix it right, why should you pay to fix their problem!! Boats are expensive enough!!