87 5.0 mercruiser won’t go over 3000 rpm

Dillonb

Recruit
Joined
Jun 9, 2021
Messages
3
I have a 1987 rinker and left a half tank of gas in it through winter. Took the boat out beginning of season it was boggy and back firing. Wouldn’t go over 3000 rpm under load.
from there I put a rebuilt carb on, new plugs, distributor cap and rotor (timed 8 degree BTDC) fuel water separator, fuel pump and changed my oils, also put a stainless prop (same pitch) and hyrdafoil.
after all this work I put it back in water and still back firing and loading up and won’t go over 3000 rpm under load, in neutral I can rev it clear to 6000 rpm. also seems cold blooded and will only stay idling when up to temp. Ran a whole tank of new gas with sea foam and same issues.
any help is appreciated!
 

alldodge

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Mar 8, 2009
Messages
43,246
Is this a new to you boat or just a new problem?

If new problem and didn't have the problem last season, do a compression test. Also use a spark gap tester and check spark on each plug
 

Dillonb

Recruit
Joined
Jun 9, 2021
Messages
3
Is this a new to you boat or just a new problem?

If new problem and didn't have the problem last season, do a compression test. Also use a spark gap tester and check spark on each plug
It is both, I checked spark plug gap on new plugs before installing them and gap was correct. Will do compression test tonight
 
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