pre-alpha on a 16 footer...<br /><br />We just had the boat serviced before heading up north for a week - new (merc) gear lube, etc.<br /><br />Boat started and ran great - got it up to about 30 mph at times, no issues. <br /><br />On day 5, we were getting up to about 15 mph, and suddenly it was as if someone pulled back on the throttle - and engine died. I checked the temperature at this point and it was at 140. There were no strange noises or smoke, but just a slight burning smell from the engine compartment that went away in quick order. Although it turned over fine, wouldn't restart - as if flooded.<br /><br />After we got towed back in, I let it sit overnight, then I pulled it out of the water and checked various things out. My first thought was a failed water pump, but the temp at around 140 wouldn't indicate this. Next was lower unit (although I'm not sure if a failure here would cause the engine to die?) so checked the lube level by removing the top plug. It was full. Removed the lower plug and let a little out, no signs of metal shavings, but not sure of the color (see below). As I said, this was just changed the previous week.<br /><br />Checked the engine oil, completely full and normal, and nothing abnormal in the bilge.<br /><br />I started looking at the throttle, and when inspecting it, the top butterfly valve (under the round filter/cover) suddenly popped shut - as if it had been stuck open (?). I called a local shop and described all of this, he said to spray some carb cleaner, clean everything up, and stick it back in the water and see if it will start.<br /><br />So, back in the water, engine started right up. Water pumping out the of prop as expected. Shifted into gear forward/reverse with no problems. Ran it for a short distance, but decided not to go any further since I still didn't know what was up.<br /><br />one other thing:<br /><br />When I got back home and compared the gear lube to that from a bottle the shop gave me, it was the same blue color (this is the mercury product btw) but not as clear. I do know that the lube that was in there previously was grey in color, and I don't know if some mixture might have taken place, or if there is water getting in there. The shop didn't mention an issue previously, but I don't know how the lube should compare to that of the bottle after being run...??<br /><br />So, is it possible this was the result of a stuck butterfly valve? Or might the gear lube be an indication of a problem that might have caused this? Anything else I should check? <br /><br />THANK YOU for any thoughts on this...
