Engine cutting out

[XcptDvrsty]

I have a 1993 60hp motor on our 20ft Sweetwater pontoon, Has been running well since MAy we just purchased in May 2002. Our problem is this we can run the pontoon for a couple of hours with RPM's at 45-46 and have no problems thats as high as RPM's have ever gotten, which I hope is good. But now we run the boat and after stopping and fishing for an hour or so, when we leave to take off again and run the boat at same rpm's its fine for a bit then starts cutting out and RPM's dropping to about 29-30. Then the motor when you try to open it up again will act like it is going to open up and run and then cuts out and can't get RPM's up again. We have had the igintion checked Mechanic said it is fine and he has checked spark plugs. He seems to think it is something to do with the fuel lines. We have had him go out with us as it doesnt happen until after we have been out for a couple of hours. THen we can come back the next day and the motor runs great again for a few hours and then the same thing. Also the motor is a 2 stroke and oil injected. I hope this makes some sense I am clueless about this but wanting to learn as much as I can about our boat. THanks for any suggestions.

 

[Walker]

Re: Engine cutting out

Please post what engine you have. That info will help diagnose the problem. It doesn't sound like a fuel problem unless you have an inline filter that may be almost completely clogged. Sometimes engine heat will cause a clog to be worse. Also I suggest you clean each coil ground, whether they are wire grounded or grounded straps.

 

[XcptDvrsty]

Re: Engine cutting out

I know this sounds illiterate but when you ask what engine I have it is a Mercury 60 hp outboard motor 2 stroke. I will ask the mechanic tommorow if this is not what you are needing. Thanks for your assistance so far.

 

[Walker]

Re: Engine cutting out

Each ignition coil is grounded to the block. On your engine I believe they are grounded by a black wire. Take each ground wire loose and clean the ends with some sandpaper and also clean the block where the wires bolt on. Put a little dielectric grease on the wire ends and re-attach them to the block and go give the engine a try. Your problem doesn't sound like a fuel system matter to me.

 

[XcptDvrsty]

Re: Engine cutting out

thank you for the suggestions I will pass this on to the mechanic. He is always busy as it is a small place and I think he is working from trial and error but he has been good to us and i want to make things as easy as possible. I do have another question from reading other postings. When we purchased the boat it had 81 hours it now has 204 hours I am assuming I should have a 100 hour service done at every 100 hours just like i would my car right.. Your talking with two females who don't know much but wanting to learn and this sight is very helpful to troubleshoot. IS there any other things we should be routinely doing. I always check the oil as it is fuel injected and make sure the prop is ok and the basics but mechanically do we need to be having other routine maintenance done if so how often..Have three brand batteries checked too. THanks again.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Engine cutting out

I agree with Walker, that it does'nt sound like a fuel problem. Sounds as though you are losing power in one Cylinder( Called Dropping a Cylinder), which is causing your RPM'S to fall off and miss. The coil is the first thing I would suspect or the connections as Walker also said. I don't know how handy you are with Motors, but when is does the RPM drop off, it would be advised to, stop the Motor, pull the spark plugs and see if one looks very wet and oily, while the others should be fairly dry. That would at least tell you which Cylinder is the problem! Your mechanic should be able to tell this also! Good Luck,

 

[Walker]

Re: Engine cutting out

As far as scheduled maintenance, I suggest if you use the boat in salt water that you replace the impellor (waterpump) annually and if it only a freshwater boat replace it bi-annually. Change the lower unit grease when you change the impellor. The best advice I can offer is to keep fresh fuel in it and use it often. It seems that the motors that sit the most have the most problems.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Engine cutting out

To add to that, don't forget to have your Motor "Winterized", when you are done for the season. This would include: Putting Fuel Stabilizer in the Fuel Tank and running it so that it gets into the Carborators, which prevents your Gas from going sour during storage, treating the engine with "Fogging Oil", to keep the insides of your Motor lubricated during lay-up and changing the lower unit lube before you store the boat for winter. If this is something you do not want to tackle yourself, it can be preformed by almost any Marine shop for under $75.00. It is a Must Do thing! Along with a good cleaning and such, it will be ready to go again in the spring!