engine almost stalling but then keeps running.

[LVChris]

This is a tough one to explain, but i'll try to do my best.
Boat is a new (to me) 1996 Four Winns Vista 238 DLX with a Volvo Penta 5.8Fi

After a wonderful day on the beach I returned to the marina with no problems. The marina is no wake and while putt-ing through the miles of boats, my boat started to "go in and out?" I mean the motor would keep reving, thottle on, then off. I wasn't doing anything.
I put her in neutral and revved the engine a bit, heard a lot of "pops" and tried again, ok for a few minutes and back to cutting out.
I headed back to open water (another story why, silly marina rules) and gave her some gas and whe kept stalling but only for a second, then right back to throttle. She never stopped, just ran funny? After several cycles of this she finally kicked in and ran great!

I don't even know what to call this, so it's hard to google. Any help out there tonight? I have her slipped for the evening and will be out again tomorrow assuming she'll run.

Thanks,

 

[captmello]

Re: engine almost stalling but then keeps running.

I would switch out the fuel/water separating filter, Dump the contents of the old filter into a glass jar and allow it to settle. This will tell you if you have water in the fuel.

 

[LVChris]

Re: engine almost stalling but then keeps running.

I would switch out the fuel/water separating filter, Dump the contents of the old filter into a glass jar and allow it to settle. This will tell you if you have water in the fuel.

Sorry to sound stupid, but I can't find any information on how to do that, where it is located, what it is. I keep googling but can find nothing. Is it just a fuel filter? Or is it different a fuel/water separating filter?

TIA

 

[LVChris]

Re: engine almost stalling but then keeps running.

Seems that maybe "surging" is what you call it. And seems to be water in fuel, sad i just used Sta-Bil for the first time in the tank, and now I get a problem.

 

[QC]

Re: engine almost stalling but then keeps running.

And seems to be water in fuel, sad i just used Sta-Bil for the first time in the tank, and now I get a problem.

Be careful about speculation, that's how you make mistakes. But, yes, the water separator is the fuel filter. There should be two. I would definitely start there.

 

[skydiveD30571]

Re: engine almost stalling but then keeps running.

In your VP owner's manual there will be pictures of your engine model with locations of important maintenance items pointed out. You can find where your water separator is from there. It unscrews like an oil filter. Make sure to use a new one when you are done checking the contents of what is inside yours. Lubricate the gasket with a little oil before installing.

 

[LVChris]

Re: engine almost stalling but then keeps running.

Well to update, she left us stranded on the lake yesterday. We left the bay, I stayed close for a bit, when I thought things were ok I headed toward the cove we were going to swim in. Got about a mile, she started surging (I was doing about 25 mph at the time) then she cut out. I was never able to get her started after that. Had to get towed back. Also found out my VHF radio doesn't broadcast, have to get that fixed as well. Calling mechanic today.

I do see the filter, but just gonna have the mechanic deal with it if I can.

 

[LVChris]

Re: engine almost stalling but then keeps running.

Update; Mechanic looked at her yesterday, No water in the the water/fuel seperator. Removed, inspected and cleaned the anti-siphon valve. Checked power on fuel pump. All good. Suspect fuel pump and is now securing one for replacement, we'll know in the next couple of days.