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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

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outboard issues

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glivs
Admiral

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USA
836 Posts

Initially Posted - 08/20/2011 : 17:55:29

Just got my engine ('87 TwinYacht) back from the mechanic to replace a failed neutral safety switch. Took nearly three weeks to get the part. Ferried the motor back out to the boat (on mooring) to get ready for what looked like a beautiful weekend. The engine fired right up and idled perfectly for 10-15 minutes while I dueled a mud wasp who had taken up residence in my main sail. However, when the Admiral and I headed out the engine would not accelerate. Even at wide open throttle it barely ran above an idle rpm. How do I diagnose the issue? And yes it is E10 gas in a full tank that has been sitting for a month but Marine Stabil was added.

Gerry Livingston, Malletts Bay, VT
"Great Escape" 1989 C-25 SR/WK #5972

Edited by - on

Dave5041
Former Mainsheet Editor

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USA
3758 Posts

Response Posted - 08/20/2011 : 18:16:26

I would first talk to the mechanic before touching anything. You don't want to complicate an issue that could be his oversight.

Edited by - on

Voyager
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
5376 Posts

Response Posted - 08/20/2011 : 18:40:40

One time I had my gas tank vent screwed on too tight and the engine would run for a while then slowed wa-a-a-a-ay down.

I could not understand what the heck was going on until I heard the tank hissing - then the light bulb went on in my head. Unscrew the vent cap! Worked like a charm.....

If that wasn't it, I'd check and replace the fuel filter.

Edited by - on

OJ
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4382 Posts

Response Posted - 08/21/2011 : 06:50:18

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by glivs
 . . . the engine would not accelerate. Even at wide open throttle it barely ran above an idle rpm . . . <hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Gerry, those are the exact same symptoms my neighbor and I experienced with out lawnmowers within a week of each other - mine being a 4-stroke Honda and his a 2-stroke Lawn Boy.

We emptied the onboard and tote fuel tanks, got fresh gas and that solved the problem. An easy way to eliminate 1 possibility . . .

Edited by - on

Dave5041
Former Mainsheet Editor

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USA
3758 Posts

Response Posted - 08/21/2011 : 07:06:17

I'll suggest again that you talk to your mechanic. It could be as simple as not securely attaching the throttle linkage, but if you do anything other than changing the fuel it could become your issue rather than his. I will be more than surprised if it is due to stabilized, one month old fuel.

Edited by - on

jerlim
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1484 Posts

Response Posted - 08/21/2011 : 09:37:45

1 month old, properly stabilized fuel should not be the issue...I'm w/ Dave, bring it back.

Edited by - jerlim on 08/21/2011 09:38:33

Voyager
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
5376 Posts

Response Posted - 08/21/2011 : 19:03:46

Having to pull the engine, putting in the dink, driving it back to the repair shop -- what a hassle -- too bad the shop could not test it out for you on the premises before-hand. And they caused you to miss a precious weekend too!

Will they be able to do an in-water or in-tank test after they check out this problem, or do you have to drag the engine back to the boat to test it once they "fix" it for you?

Edited by - on

Stinkpotter
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
9080 Posts

Response Posted - 08/21/2011 : 19:27:17

I've never had an engine serviced where it didn't get a tank test, including throttling up. Sounds like a high-speed carb jet clog, while the idle jet is still OK. Culprits can include your gas line and bulb if they're over 10 years old... E-10 can deteriorate the check valves and interiors of the older ones.

Edited by - on

glivs
Admiral

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USA
836 Posts

Response Posted - 08/22/2011 : 04:07:00

Thanks guys...hauling the motor in from a dink was interesting. Returning it, however, I borrowed our mooring field's work boat, a well aged Boston whaler which then allowed me to transport the motor from the marina next door rather than hauling it down a 20+' flight of stairs. (I won't go into the details of its motor dieing as I was heading back and and having to call out to a nearby boat to tow me in.) As to suggestions...I too would be surprised if it were the gas but its easy to test and thinking back my time estimate is off somewhat ...the tank was filled the weekend of the July 4th holiday and only topped off (<1/4 tank) Aug.1st.
Vent -- open...learned that mistake long ago
Fuel line -- replaced with E10 compliant 2 yrs ago
Mechanic -- plan on giving him a call this AM

Edited by - on

glivs
Admiral

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USA
836 Posts

Response Posted - 08/23/2011 : 02:55:13

Issue resolved -- a missing O'ring allowed the roller on a small rocker arm in the throttle linkage to slide upwards so that it did not engage when the throttle was rotated and thus the engine remained at an idle. Took my mechanic all of a few seconds to spot and about 15 minutes to replace but we are back in business. Cost...an evening on the water with a view of a spectacular rainbow and sunset over the bay.

Edited by - on

Dave5041
Former Mainsheet Editor

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USA
3758 Posts

Response Posted - 08/23/2011 : 07:18:18

It did seem like a linkage issue. If the throttle plate opens without additional fuel, the charge leans out and the engine dies.

Edited by - on

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