running probelms need help

JamieLynn

Cadet
Joined
May 5, 2011
Messages
17
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?
 

JamieLynn

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

I see there has been a lot of people view this but no suggestions so is this uncommon or does noone want to help?
 

offshore79

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jul 22, 2011
Messages
30
Re: running probelms need help

There were alot of things done and changed so start with those things.
You may have water in the gas, maybe timming is off, maybe float or choke are not set right.
Try to seperate the problems and address them one at a time unitl you find the problem.
Double check the timming first and rule that out.
Pull a sample of gas in a glass jar. Water will settle at the bottom.
Check wherre the choke is when cold, then hot.
Start simple.
 

a70eliminator

Captain
Joined
Sep 9, 2007
Messages
3,762
Re: running probelms need help

Definately sounds like fuel issue, the surging, then lean pop (backfire) all points to fuel starvation, you have a tank pickup, anti-siphon valve, some hose and a filter, water in tank is stopper too. Try running off a portable tank (like a small outboard boat) if it does ok then you know its in your fuel supply system, the fuel pump itself could be going bad too, but one step at a time.
 
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