Starboard inboard motor stalls when shifting but only after 1-2 hours

[DBFLYNN]

Hi. I find this forum very help full. I am chasing down a problem and I need some ideas. I have a twin engine(350's) sea ray and after sometimes 1-2 hours of operation or as little as 5 mins, the starboard engine will stall as soon as its under a load. It will start right back up and idle like a purring cat but will not run after putting it into gear. I could let the boat sit for a few hours and go take it out and have no problem or have the same issue. I dont have out drives. It is an inboard with v-drives and the shift cable seems very smooth and I watch the shift toggle on the transmission and it seems to go fully into gear. I have done the fuel filters, added sea foam, changed the coil and condenser. So what now?-Thanks

 

[alldodge]

Re: Starboard inboard motor stalls when shifting but only after 1-2 hours

Could sure use the engine serial number because we need more info, even a year will help. This could be one of a couple issues, but really need more info

 

[Bondo]

Re: Starboard inboard motor stalls when shifting but only after 1-2 hours

Ayuh,... Welcome Aboard,... What'd ya find in the old fuel filters,..??

Could be the fuel pump or carb,...

Got any serial numbers, or better Info on yer motors,..??

 

[DBFLYNN]

Re: Starboard inboard motor stalls when shifting but only after 1-2 hours

Ayuh,... Welcome Aboard,... What'd ya find in the old fuel filters,..??

Could be the fuel pump or carb,...

Got any serial numbers, or better Info on yer motors,..??

The motors are from 1981, although the blocks were replaced last year with all the old components put back on. The filters look pretty good after inspection and almost unnoticeable water. I suspect it may be the carb but why would it run good sometimes than act up out of the blue? Wouldn't a fuel pump always be bad if it were shot? Same with the carb? I haven't tested it since new coil and condenser were changed due to weather.

 

[alldodge]

Re: Starboard inboard motor stalls when shifting but only after 1-2 hours

You mentioned the filter had "almost unnoticeable water", if there is water it could be in the carb or tank. Don't see it being electrical, with what you have supplied so far it looks more like a fuel issue.

 

[DBFLYNN]

Re: Starboard inboard motor stalls when shifting but only after 1-2 hours

You mentioned the filter had "almost unnoticeable water", if there is water it could be in the carb or tank. Don't see it being electrical, with what you have supplied so far it looks more like a fuel issue.

I know, but the strange thing is, the port motor fuel/water separator has way more water in it when I drain it, and the port motor runs like a "champ". I'm going to have the carb rebuilt this week and cross my fingers

 

[DBFLYNN]

Re: Starboard inboard motor stalls when shifting but only after 1-2 hours

GM350RA 275451, these are the numbers off the motors. It has a 4 barrel Quadrajet if that helps

 

[alldodge]

Re: Starboard inboard motor stalls when shifting but only after 1-2 hours

GM350RA 275451, these are the numbers off the motors. It has a 4 barrel Quadrajet if that helps

Those are casting info, look on the starboard side above the starter, on top of the back deck below the head, looking down

 

[DBFLYNN]

Re: Starboard inboard motor stalls when shifting but only after 1-2 hours

Those are casting info, look on the starboard side above the starter, on top of the back deck below the head, looking down

Ok, I will check, but why are the engine # so important? Just curious?

 

[alldodge]

Re: Starboard inboard motor stalls when shifting but only after 1-2 hours

Ok, I will check, but why are the engine # so important? Just curious?

Merc makes changes all the time, knowing what exactly were working on really helps. Without knowing we can only guess at all possiable problems instead of your engine and the type of equipment that is attached to it.

 

[DBFLYNN]

Re: Starboard inboard motor stalls when shifting but only after 1-2 hours

Well good news! I found the problem. It was the throttle linkage, it was pushing too far forward in the idle position. As soon as the choke was fully open the boat would shut down. A simple adjustment and the motor runs very well. Thanks for all the help.