Motor Problem

[aquatdt]

We have a Tige 2001 V-drive. There is a Mercruiser 350, EFI , 315 horsepower motor. After about 45 minutes of use, the first time out for the season, it suddenly dropped about 200 RPMs. Then vibrated, ran very rough, misfiring, hard starting, strong smell of fuel. Any ideas of what this is? Thank you!

 

[doman]

Re: Motor Problem

bad gas? that would be the first thing i would check ...<br /><br />Dom

 

[SS MAYFLOAT]

Re: Motor Problem

The strong smell of fuel tells me that your ignition system is dropping off after it gets warmed up to a good operating temp. Sounds to me like a typical ignition module in the distributor is opening up the circuit to cause you to loose spark. Moisture in the dist. cap can cause this as well.<br /><br />Once the engine is cold, and it fires right up and runs strong like nothing is wrong, but then it starts to act up again when warm is a good indication of this problem. <br /><br />Just to prepare you on sticker shock, those small modules come with a big price tag. <br /><br />If it was a dirty filter clogging your fuel system, you would not be getting an unburnt fuel smell. Your engine would just lean out and missfire.<br /><br />Good Luck, just a thought to think about

 

[Bondo]

Re: Motor Problem

I think SS MAYFLOATis headed the Right way.........<br /><br />Before I laided out the Big Green,<br />I'd Double,.. Triple Check Every Possible connection between the Battery,+ the Spark Plugs................<br />A loose Wire or Corroded connection can Also give these Symptons......<br />Not Only the Power Circuit, But the GROUND Circuit....................

 

[aquatdt]

Re: Motor Problem

The bad /good news came back last week. <br />The real problem was we lost compression in #3 cylinder. Valve spring broke - piston hit valve = new motor. Good news is Mercruiser is standing behind their product Thanks for all the help.