stalled in neutral

[clasavi]

'98 350 mercruiser magnum efi

boat cut off when it came off plane. i was able to crank it and made it to the dock. before leaving the marina i decided to crank it one more time, I revved it up and when i pulled the throttle back in neutral she cut off. what could it be?

i also noticed gray smoke coming out of only one side of the exhaust.

claudio

 

[JYaksh]

Re: stalled in neutral

Could be several things.
I had the same issue, not to long ago.

1.My problem was fixed by 'fogging" out the Carb. Basically, I went to Auto Zone and bought some "Magic Mystery Oil". You should try that first. Remove Carb Air Filter, Bring Idle up to 1500rpm, and SLOWLY pour directly into Carb, it will cough,smoke,and try to cut off. once it really starts smoking, cut the engine. Let it sit 30mins, or over night is better. then crank it back up and clear the rest out.
My friend had same problem, but my suggustion didnt fix it. All he did was adjust the idle screw to bring the idle up to 750-800rpm.

Look around on this site, there are many Threads about this issue.

 

[Don S]

Re: stalled in neutral

1.My problem was fixed by 'fogging" out the Carb.

He has an EFI engine not carbed.

To the OP, pull the fuel filter and empty the contents in a clear container and see if you have water in the fuel.

 

[Another retired guy]

Re: stalled in neutral

Could be several things.
I had the same issue, not to long ago.

1.My problem was fixed by 'fogging" out the Carb. Basically, I went to Auto Zone and bought some "Magic Mystery Oil". You should try that first. Remove Carb Air Filter, Bring Idle up to 1500rpm, and SLOWLY pour directly into Carb, it will cough,smoke,and try to cut off. once it really starts smoking, cut the engine. Let it sit 30mins, or over night is better. then crank it back up and clear the rest out.
My friend had same problem, but my suggustion didnt fix it. All he did was adjust the idle screw to bring the idle up to 750-800rpm.

Look around on this site, there are many Threads about this issue.

Just a word of caution re the magic mystery oil and similar products. If you leave it too long it can form a seal comprised of oil and dissolved carbon which "may" cause difficulties cranking the engine. Happened to me once on a car - luckily it was a stick shift so we could bump start it. Never used it since!

 

[JYaksh]

Re: stalled in neutral

Just a word of caution re the magic mystery oil and similar products. If you leave it too long it can form a seal comprised of oil and dissolved carbon which "may" cause difficulties cranking the engine. Happened to me once on a car - luckily it was a stick shift so we could bump start it. Never used it since!

Thank you.
Fortunately I was inpatient, and didnt let it sit too long.

 

[clasavi]

Re: stalled in neutral

thank you for all the replies. after a couple of weeks of not being able to check out this problem myself due to work i called the mechanic and asked them to look in to it. i explained the symptoms as i did on here and even told them that i thought it could be water in the fuel.... long story short i called them today to follow up. he stated that he had looked at the boat but did not fully analyzed the issue or able to solve it. he also stated that the boat was running hot, very hot on one side and that it could have been the reason for cutting off.

i am free this weekend and of course i will be at the marina working on it. i will start by checking for water in the fuel (remove filter). thereafter i will need some help. what could make the boat cut off based on what the mechanic said? any thought would be greatly
appreciated