89 Mercruiser 3.0L takes a while to build up power

[ebucaro]

Took the Searay out this spring a few times after the long winter here in Mass, everything was great, it went to 4300 to 4500 rpm no issues, then decided to change the fuel filter, found the ceramic type with lots of dirt and spring almost broken due to corrosion. Replaced it with new paper type element, seal and spring. First time out the boat took a good 10 minutes to move above 2800 rom at WOT, worked perfect whole day, I thought problem was due to an air bubble or some dirt...pulled wake boarders all day ... a week later same thing... Double checked the filter has no leaks, cleaned flame arrestor, spark plugs are clean except one that seemed a little dirty... Gap ok, .. Any suggestions? Thanks

 

[alldodge]

Re: 89 Mercruiser 3.0L takes a while to build up power

Sounds like a fuel supply issue. Replacing the filter sounds good, but probably got something floating around which restrics fuel flow some. <ight need some carb cleaning work if the rst of the fuel delivery systems is working correctly

Welcome aboard

 

[ebucaro]

Re: 89 Mercruiser 3.0L takes a while to build up power

Sounds like a fuel supply issue. Replacing the filter sounds good, but probably got something floating around which restrics fuel flow some. <ight need some carb cleaning work if the rst of the fuel delivery systems is working correctly

Welcome aboard

Thank you for your input, did some research and found the location of the carburator filter (strainer) found it with lots of dirt, cleaned it, hope to been able to try it on the lake today as yes, fuel supply must be the issue, was working ok and problem only appeared when I decided to exchange filter... Probably new fuel filter unrestricted the flow in the line after it and dirt came loose and clogged the carb filter.

 

[ebucaro]

Re: 89 Mercruiser 3.0L takes a while to build up power

Took Boat out to lake and same problem.... Should I get my hands in the carb? Or should just blow back the fuel line from carb to gas pump?
Again after probably 10 minutes of keeping it WOT engine goes fine .. All the time it idles perfect in neutral .. Could it be a spark plug?

 

[alldodge]

Re: 89 Mercruiser 3.0L takes a while to build up power

Carb cleaning and rebuilding would be the next thing right after checking fuel pressure. Would like to know if it is at least 4PSI or higher and stays that way. Put a tee between the pump and carb and see if it stays up, if it does time to rebuild carb, or if you don't have a fuel pressure gauge, just rebuild the carb and see if it works.

 

[ebucaro]

Re: 89 Mercruiser 3.0L takes a while to build up power

Thank you alldodge
I will order the carb kit and focus into it, as the pump should be ok, everything was fine until I decided to exchange the gas filter, for sure I will remind myself in the future: it is working do not touch it... However I like to keep my things reliable.. Have already order a water pump kit for the alpha one and plan to do its maintenance as it seems the previous owner use to send the boat to a shop that was charging him but not keeping maintenance schedules ...

 

[fishrdan]

Re: 89 Mercruiser 3.0L takes a while to build up power

decided to change the fuel filter, found the ceramic type with lots of dirt and spring almost broken due to corrosion. Replaced it with new paper type element, seal and spring.

Did you change the filter in the fuel pump? If the carb filter was dirty, chances are the pump filter is dirty too. Also, due to ethanol in the fuel now-a-days, it's a good idea to install a water separating fuel filter between the fuel tank and fuel pump.

 

[ebucaro]

Re: 89 Mercruiser 3.0L takes a while to build up power

Finally opened up the top cover of carbon and found debris in reservoir and acceleration pump seal in odd shape (spring deformed) clean all orifices with carbon cleaner can and rebuild the seal, works ok now goes at 4300rpm with 4 adults on it. Still waiting for new carb kit but will save it for the future. Even measured the piston pressure and read 120 110 120 120 I thinkreadings are great for a 1989 engine

Thanks to all for your input and help