Engine bogs out - 2002 four winns horizon

[Matt1021]

Just recently purchased a 2002 four winns horizon 200 w/ a merc 5.0. Recently took it out on the lake and everything worked fine except when we launched. We launched the boat and the engine started just fine. Once i shifted into forward it would bog out and die. It did this 3-4 times each time both days we launched. Once i got it out of the marina it worked fine and continued to work perfect the rest of the day. When i bought it the previous owner had just dewinterized and i noticed the gas tank was only 1/4 full. Could moisture build up in the tank be a possible cause? any suggestions on a good carbuerator/fuel system cleaner additive.

Also the 1st day we smelled a lot of gas. I checked for leaks and didn't locate any so i chalked it up to overfilling the gas tank. Not sure what it could be but i plan on taking it in to get serviced and have everything checked out. We just started boat season here in california so if i can push off it a bit it would be great

 

[Rick Stephens]

Unfortunately there is no such thing as a mechanic in a can. First step is pull the fuel water separator and pour the contents into a clear container and look for any contaminants. If they are there, then need to look through the rest of the fuel system for where those contaminants might also be.

You don't say whether this is carbureted or injected, so hard to make any other suggestions.

 

[Bondo]

It did this 3-4 times each time both days we launched. Once i got it out of the marina it worked fine and continued to work perfect the rest of the day.

Ayuh,..... If this is a carbed motor, My 1st guess would be, it's in need of a choke adjustment,....

 

[Matt1021]

Sorry guys. Yes it’s a carb’d motor

 

[rad1026]

What Bondo said.

 

[Scott Danforth]

being a 2002 carbed motor

its a 220hp 5.0 with a mercarb

check the fuel/water filter as mentioned (do not re-use the filter)

if you have water in the fuel, you need to clean the fuel system

also, with a cold motor, there is no fast-idle cam on the carb. you need to let it warm up just a bit.

 

[Matt1021]

Unfortunately the boat launch wasn’t set up to tie off and let warm up. Narrow launch with boats slipped on each side. Also being memorial weekend the current was pretty choppy & strong due to the lake traffic. I was getting pushed around pretty good. Taking it out this weekend so I was going to put the muffs on at home and let it run for a bit before heading out.