Engine hesitating/stalling - electrical??

[henryboogers]

I have a 1979 Larson 17' with a merc 470 which, I believe, is a 140 HP. It has been hesititating and/or stalling to varying degrees on my last few outings. Typically this occurs on the journey back to the launch after fishing 1.5-2.5 hours(ie, when the engine is warm). <br /><br />When operating at WOT and the engine hesitates, it will sound like I have laid off of the throttle (when I haven't), and usuaually picks back up to WOT within a second or so. Sometimes it's not bad....others it's a 1 hour journey to the launch (1 miles).<br /><br />I have:<br />- checked the fuel pump, filter and lines<br />- replaced spark plugs, wires, dist. cap, point and condenser<br />- Cleaned carburator and checked accel. mechanism and float level<br /><br />I thought I had it when I ran a 2 mile out, 2 mile back perch fishing adventure the other day, but yesterday it was doing it again. HOWEVER, I noticed that when I hit the builge pump button, the hesitation occurs every time! <br /><br />My thoughts from reading old posts are:<br /><br />-check fuses<br />-Ignition coil<br /><br />Any thoughts?

 

[henryboogers]

Re: Engine hesitating/stalling - electrical??

No takers? I'm lost here! Thanks.

 

[beckerdg]

Re: Engine hesitating/stalling - electrical??

I had a 86 mcm 170 that would start missing/hesitating after it was good and warmed up only at 60% to full throttle. Did all the things you did, including inspecting the gas tank for possible debris blocking the fuel pickup and tank vent for blockage. Turned out to simply be timing was way out of whack. Did you set your timing with the points and condensor change.

 

[henryboogers]

Re: Engine hesitating/stalling - electrical??

nope. i'll have to try that....not that i know what that means yet....im sort of learning as i go. I also found the red wire into the ignition was not screwed it....just kind of making contact by virtue of the wire being bent in the right angle. Fixed the wire and will look at timing just so I know how to do it. Thanks!