Tahoe fuel/sluggish problems...

[C-17 Pilot]

gents,

I searched and posted in the other forums already, but since we are all in the same make, I figured I'd ask here.

As I mentioned before, I'm very new to boating....well actually, my first boat trip with my 08 Q5i 4.3 V6 190 HP was yesterday.

Started out fine - ran good for about 1-1.5 hrs, but as the day progressed, she got very sluggish:
1.) Took several start attempts to turn over
2.) Sometime, wouldn't turn over
3.) When turned over, and after putting in gear, VERY sluggish to get up to RPM

I posted my problems in the Mercruiser I/O forum....and two issues surfaced:

1.) I put regular 87 octane fuel in the boat yesterday. It came with 1/8 tank, so I pretty much put in 20 gals or so.
2.) possible water separator

To keep it on subject as I'm still researching my problems, what type of fuel/additives, etc do you recommend/use. I looked on the Mercruiser website and I couldn't find anything. Anyone have these type of issues, ever?

Lastly, where can one find the users manuals for the tahoe boats. For my first outing, I'm VERY frustrated.

 

[C-17 Pilot]

Re: Tahoe fuel/sluggish problems...

Alas,

i read this article: http://www.marineenginedigest.com/specialreports/wrongfuel.htm

Any truth to it with the Mercruiser?

 

[Paul DuLaney]

Re: Tahoe fuel/sluggish problems...

First what do you mean?
1-Took several times to turn over- Battery low?
2-Sometimes ,won't turn over - again Battery
3-When turned over,and after putting in gear,Very sluggish to get up to RPM- On my Merc 150 efi (I know it's an ob) the electronics has to have the proper voltage of it WILL not run properly, So do you have a good(new) battery in and have you been keeping an eye on the volt gauge? Just food for thought and hope it helps.

 

[the_smoo]

Re: Tahoe fuel/sluggish problems...

i am with paul.. one thing at a time.. definitely check the battery. Maybe after she warmed up was tighter and harder to start due to low batt power. After the battery, I would then look at plugs/leads and also run some sort of fuel cleaner through the whole system.. maybe sucked up some crap into the carb. (dont know if that year is fuel injected and too lazy to google it)

 

[C-17 Pilot]

Re: Tahoe fuel/sluggish problems...

guys, thanks for the valued input.

As far as the battery, I fully charged it the night prior. I did suspect the battery, but everything still worked -- radio, horn, starter, etc. That led me to think more of a spark / fuel issue. Hence, I will be checking the plugs/leads. I also have a deep cycle marine battery for my trolling motor (fully charged) that I will take out and possible change out the battery if it comes down to it.

On Wednesday, I am going back to the lake to check it out again. For some reason, my instincts (very uneducated though) are pushing towards a fuel issue. Again, I put in 87 Octane (car gas) and the article above says not to. Water separator, maybe? We'll see on Wednesday.

Fingers crossed I can fix this thing for this weekend!!!

 

[C-17 Pilot]

Re: Tahoe fuel/sluggish problems...

Wiping the sweat from my brow...looks like I had some contaminated fuel. Added some solvent/water remover and alas....started up like a champ.

Have a great Memorial Day..

 

[yourboatmyboat]

Re: Tahoe fuel/sluggish problems...

Heads up on putting ethonol gas in seasonal motor.. It would be advisable for ALL boaters , even lawn mowers any seasonal motors to educate them selves on the effect of ethonol gas on your equipment. There are recomend additives to add to off set the effects. Ethonol is a distilled fuel therefor contains moisture/ water . This will cause oxidation /corrosion in your carb in the winter months. Even in your car using ethonol you will have a decrease of 25% in miles per gallon. Educate your self.