running probelms need help

JamieLynn

Cadet
Joined
May 5, 2011
Messages
17
I changed it to the right category but here is my probelm............................... I have a boat engine problem It is a 89 17ft bayliner capri with a 2.5 l omc IT worked GREAT all summer since getting the timing fixed, new coil pack, new spark plugs, point cleaned and carb rebuilt in may and then on sunday night I was getting pulled skiiing went a little ways husband stops saying thinks the boat is running out of gas, (gas gauge doesn;t work) any thoughts about how to fix that too> go back to shore trailer it. Fill it up with gas last night take it out, starts HARD then it fillinally starts, start going with it and its doing the same thing it was doing on Sunday fast slow studdering doesn't stop though until a ways up the lake at the fishing spot, try to start it has a little trouble right away then it starts and sounds good find the fish, fish, start it, move, find new spot runs fine, anchor, fish then start it up drive it around a ways does fine, start for home and a ways down the lake it starts acting funny again slow fast slow fast, starts to slow down with throttle wide open some poping sounds (can they backfire) in the engine get it back to shore and its trailers again, a few weeks ago he started have trouble getting it out of geer once in a while too are the two related???? What should we do? We haven't tried anything yet.
I will have him look at the oil and make sure there is no water in it? Would that be the only tell tale sign that the motor is leaking water? We don't really know to much about enginies, how long do spark plugs last in boats> and how about points? (or are they the same thing?) would we need to replace them again?
 

bentle

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Aug 2, 2011
Messages
492
Re: running probelms need help

Well water in the oil is a bad headgasket or head itself can become warped and cause this. Now Loss of compression, loss of spark to each cylinder or fowl plugs, fuel problem such as bad fuel pump,plugged fuel filter or water separater, loose fuel lines from tank to motor. Problem inside of distributer. All of the above can cause the running problems you are having. Need to post on the omc inboard outboard forum and get help there.
 

JamieLynn

Cadet
Joined
May 5, 2011
Messages
17
Re: running probelms need help

yah I did that after I relized that I posted it in the wrong category, but no one has responded yet on that forum. So thank you.....................

Loss of compression that means the motor is shot??? loss of spark to each cylinder can that be fixed by new spark plugs???? how do you check a fuel pump and where is the fuel filter is it like an oil filter where you can just take it out???? how about the distributer what do you need to do to check that? Can the type of fuel used cause this too>? thanks
 

jerryjerry05

Supreme Mariner
Joined
May 7, 2008
Messages
18,082
Re: running probelms need help

Could be???Water in the gas?Tank vent line clogged.Or the points aren't opening.The coils going bad.Dist advance not working.
The shift interupt is activating because of a bad shift cable.
Or the fuel pump is going bad.The anti-siphon valve(on the tank) is sticking/clogging.
 

bentle

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Aug 2, 2011
Messages
492
Re: running probelms need help

Alot of times we just climb in our boats and just expect them to run problem free and put off normal maintenance. Spark can be tested using a spark tester or a timing light to each plug wire. Im guessing your problem is fuel related simply because of what you described on your first post. What you will need to do is start with the easy first and work your way up to the harder things. I would start at fuel delivery first meaning fuel filter, fuel water separator, check fuel pump for fuel delivery to the motor. Check all fuel lines from tank to the motor including fuel pick up line in the tank. There is a fuel vent, check for proper ventilation. Water in the fuel. You did mention timing fixed, so there's another place to go back over. Check for any vacuum leaks which would be any broken or disconnected hoses to the engine. Not sure for your engine but maybe timing vacuum advance at the distributer. Jerry also posted some good possibilities. We are all glad to help but remember this is a Force Chrysler outboard forum.
 
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