stalling problem

[DeputyMike]

I have a 1991 chevy 350 V8 small block in a 1988 Renken Bowrider that I am completely restoring. After buying the boat last year, I used it several times during the summer before beginning the restoration. After launching the boat and starting up the engine (no problems starting), as soon as I would put it into reverse, it would cut off. I was never able to put the boat into reverse at the beginning of the run. After the engine had been warmed up for a while out on the water, I could get it to go into reverse without turning off, but not every time. It is very annoying to have to push the boat away from the trailer and wait until it drifts far enough to move out in forward drive! the boat is still torn apart (i have put off the engine work while i work on upholstery, paint, etc.). Any ideas on how to fix this problem? puleeeeeeeeeeeze?

[gonzo]

Is this a Mercruiser?

[DeputyMike]

this may be a dumb question, but how do i tell if it is a mercruiser? i don't remember anything on it saying what it is, but i will look again and see what i can find, haven't looked at it recently

[DeputyMike]

The plastic cover over the flame arrestor says '350 ENPAC - Marine Power INC' . The exhaust manifold has 'AquaPower' on it. There is a plate that says Model Number: MP350ANI and Serial Number: AN89074215I. That is all that I can see on the engine

[gonzo]

It looks like a replacement engine. Can you describe the outdrive or post a photo of it?

[Poida]

Probably the make of boat or engine is not important. I would assume a problem with the engine. When engines die it is normally at low revs as it doesn't have the momentum to overide problems.

Check the easy things first. The choke, at high revs not a problem although burning rich, at low revs chokes up and dies.

Timing?

Anyway putting my bets on engine problems.

[marshmat]

Carb (not efi), I presume? I've had this problem with smaller motors, especially when moving from high altitude to sea level or vice versa, it may simply not be feeding the right amount of fuel at idle... can keep itself turning but with a load, too lean (or too rich) and just dies... have you checked the low-speed jet to see if it's set right for your altitude? Choke's worth checking for sure, if that sticks it'd die right off as soon as you put much of a load on it.

[DeputyMike]

the outdrive is an OMC Cobra, the id plate says:

Mod. 985267
Eng. 2.3L
Ser. T0535483

as for checking the things described, i have to admit i don't know how to do that. is that even possible to do without the engine wired up? i haven't gotten to the point in my rebuild where i will put that back together. should i just wait or have a mechanic look at it?

[Poida]

Don't trust mechanics, I do all my repairs servicing myself. In fact I was made aware of a statistic a while ago the majority of rescues by the WA Sea Rescue (ie boats towed back to shore) 75% were due to engine breakdowns with 90% of those being the first time the boat has been in the water after being serviced by a mechanic.

Learn to do your own servicing 1. To make sure it gets done properly (your mechanic is not the one who gets stuck out at sea if it is not done correctly) and 2. If your boat does break down you know how to fix it.

[gonzo]

Sounds like one of those conspiracy theories. Did you get the statistics at the rumor's lounge?

[Poida]

No compiled by the Sea Rescue Group.

[gonzo]

Ok, so if about 75%of problems are mechanical and 90% of those were serviced by a mechanic, 67.5% of the problem boats were serviced by a mechanic. About 4% of boats have problems, 67.5% of that is 2.7%. I think we can say safely that over 90% of boats have no problems because they were serviced by a professional.

[Frosty]

I spent 3 months in Australia trying to get a boat finished and out . Although those statistics are eye brow raising, I can believe,them. Ausi is a tape and copper wire mentality,---- every thing is 'yeah it'lle be allright mate'--no worries.

When I finally got the boat to Kembla harbour the crane handlers walked all over the boat in steel toe capped boots and walked along the hand rails bending them, Chains were dragged over the handrails and up the firbre glass. The boat was barely 2 weeks old.

The reply to my pleadings for more concern,--- ' do ya wanit lifting or not mate?

To get to the point work is rough and as long as the Ausi gets to the pub at 5PM (at the latest) no worries.

Personally I am not surprised at those WA statistics. Oh and the WA water police T boned my transom at Woolongong harbour at only 2 days old splitting the swim platform.

[hartley]

I just wonder what the WA water Police were doing in Wollongong harbour
it would seem they were two thousand miles out of their jurisdiction.there is no such place as Woolongong harbour ....cheers

[Frosty]

Ahh,--Well spotted,--- ok well what ever they call them at Sidney area. I was only there three months. As a Pomy git I thought I would have got more than 3 months seeing as though we own the place.!!!! Ok- Ok used to own the place.

Sorry --gone off topic a bit.