omc 5.0 sluggish

[jka]

Gents,<br />I have a '94 4Winns 190 Horizon with an OMC 5.0. Here's the issue(s).<br />When I'm running flat out fast...the top speed is about 40-43 mph. My tach is showing just 3,000rpm and the engine seems to surge, stumble, sputter and I can't gain any more speeding trimming up the lower unit to half way.<br />What may be the issue with the engine? The last tuneup was at least 4 years ago (prior owner). I had a plug pulled last week and the tech said it looked brand new.<br /><br />The other issue is...when I hit the trim switch to bring up the back...the engine seems to stutter when I touch the trim up.<br /><br />The engine starts great...and planes off fast..it's just the high end performance that is bad/poor. I'm not asking this boat to do a lot...but I think rpm should be higher and a bit more speed without above mentioned engine symptoms.<br />thanks so much for your help.

 

[jka]

Re: omc 5.0 sluggish

BTW, the above engine has EFI. I'm running mid grade gas...89 octane.<br />thanks

 

[motox6]

Re: omc 5.0 sluggish

I own a 93 horizon, and before changing the engine (because of cracked block) I too had the same problem. New cap rotor and plugs got the boat running 4600 RPM. I'm also running a 15X19 pitch prop.

 

[jka]

Re: omc 5.0 sluggish

thanks Mo. I'm hoping its a simple fix...it's going to the shop Monday. I'll post results. Anyone else have suggestions? <br />thanks all

 

[jka]

Re: omc 5.0 sluggish

mine's a 21 pitch

 

[jabeds]

Re: omc 5.0 sluggish

Hi.<br /><br />I had a similar problem with my 1999 Chaparrall last spring, but the problem was a dead battery. I had to get a jump at the dock ( very embarrassing !! ). Any time I hit the trim that day, the engine would hiccup. It's a 5.0 EFI, and I assume that the problem is due to low current from the battery. I ended up buying a new battery before the next trip out, and it never happened again.<br />Good luck.

 

[jka]

Re: omc 5.0 sluggish

chapp.....very interesting! I'd descibe my issue as a hiccup as well! The battery IS two years old. But it does not appear to have any problems in starting the unit or running the radio and other junk on board.<br /><br />Perhaps I'll have the tech check that too.<br /><br />ty so much.<br /><br />j

 

[Bayrider]

Re: omc 5.0 sluggish

Do you not think that 4 years is a long time to have not had the engine tuned.

 

[jka]

Re: omc 5.0 sluggish

Bay,<br />I bought the boat about 3 weeks ago. It's in immaculate condition...not a scratch. I was very lucky to find it. The previous owner told me he owned it for 4 years and never had the engine tuned. apparently, feeling it ran well. and it does except for the above problem(s). I think it needs a tune up..but I'm not an expert. <br />I had my previous boat for 5 years....an OMC 4.0 Chris Craft 187 bowrider. Other than winterizing I never had a "tune up" as it ran great...always.<br /><br />I'll throw the Question back to you. Is 4 years a long time to not tune up a boat? I now think, in the 4 winns case...it probably is. Thanks for dropping in your comments. I appreciate it.<br />j

 

[motox6]

Re: omc 5.0 sluggish

jkarch, how does your boat do with that 21 pitch? Does it pull very well?

 

[jka]

Re: omc 5.0 sluggish

mo....i haven't waterskied yet....but it had no trouble getting a wakeboarder up...of course i think that's easier than skiing. it planes off very fast with as many as 8 people in the boat...less than 5 seconds.<br />thanks<br />j

 

[jka]

Re: omc 5.0 sluggish

oops, posted this under cajun's issue. it belongs here in the string I started.<br /><br />the omc 5.0 is back from the shop. It needed a new alternator. It was failing. Here's the tech's words on the work order:<br />"the problem with the tilt and trim and low rpm's was the result of the alternator not producing enough voltage to run the computer and electrical system. when trim was applied it would drain the system and create a loss of power"<br /><br />He said the boat did not need a tuneup and everything else was perfect. I haven't had it on the water yet but I'm assuming everything is in working order now. If there's another issue on this engine or reoccuring problem I'll post an update but otherwise consider this issue closed.<br />thanks for all your help guys. nice to know people are willing to share their knowledge.<br />jk

 

[lindb40530]

Re: omc 5.0 sluggish

motox, jkarch, I found there is a big difference in pulling a wakeboarder up and a skiier especially on one ski. I got a 21 on my 84 OMC 5.0 but the boat's small, 17ft. I have pulled 3 up on singles though I need a bunch of people in the front to make it plane......

 

[jka]

Re: omc 5.0 sluggish

lindy,<br />i'd say you're right on that point...although I haven't tried a skier on this boat just yet. but i experienced the same as you report with my prior boat. i'm anticipating no problems pulling up 1 or even two skiers with my 5.0 omc EFI. it gets out of the hole great with that 21. i'm anxious to test it this weekend to see if the alternator fix mentioned above cleared my problems. the marina is reputable and the mechanic excellent. i may even try to ski this weekend in between the rain.

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: omc 5.0 sluggish

4 years without a tune-up is a l o n g time.Too long in my opinion.How could the mechanic state that the plugs looked brand new????The plugs get pretty dirty after you crank it up in the spring loaded with fogging oil from the off season.I doubt he pulled any of them.I would pull one yourself and have a look.Charlie

 

[jka]

Re: omc 5.0 sluggish

charlie,<br />thanks for your post. I was thinking 4 years is a long time as well. Hell, I get my car tuned up every two. But several reputable mechanics say a boat with 200 hours...that's working well doesn't have many miles on it and it's not necessary to do a full blown tune up if its operating well. I understand fully the preventative maintenance idea. I've gone to this mechanic for 5 years for winterizing and new fuel pump...and he takes great care of me and my boat at a reasonable price. I trust him. The proof is in the pudding: the boat runs great. But, not being a mechanic...I'm going to trust the guy I pay. It's too bad all mechanics can't be as good...and that's true in any job. But, at this point I'm comfortable with the "experts" opinion and, until the boat reacts goofy I'm going with him. <br /><br />One question. The OMC manual calls for 89 octane..which around here is midgrade. The previous owner reports no engine problems running regular unleaded which is 87. I'm think the few extra cents (or lately dollars) is worth it to go with midgrade gas with no additives like ethanol. What do you guys think?<br /><br />thanks much all

 

[lindb40530]

Re: omc 5.0 sluggish

How often do you boat...... I have always run premium in my boat. Even skiing all day on the river, I only use 15 or so gallons.... Since, I drove the four hours to get there and will probably loose more on one hand of black jack than I'm gonna spend the whole week in buying the better gas, I don't worry about it....

 

[jka]

Re: omc 5.0 sluggish

i boat about twice a week....put on about 7 hours. not much skiing yet...cruising lakes and channels and stoppin off at the "spots" for a cocktail. most times...driving about 30-35...if its flat i'll run wide open. went through half a tank of gas in last three outings...maybe 20 gals total. lindy, i guess you're sayin to me that burn the high octane...it won't hurt, can only help....and what the heck is a few more bucks...right? or, is burning high octane a waste....of $$

 

[jka]

Re: omc 5.0 sluggish

Well, after putting up good cash for a new alternator...the boat was back in the shop today. It continued to "Hiccup" when i applied the trim and tilt. It also would not get above 3,000 rpm @WOT and 48 mph with a 21 inch prop.<br /><br />The tech checked the tach...which was installed by the previous owner two years ago. That tech screwed up and didn't set it up for an 8 cylinder. It was set for 6...thus the faulty reading of 3000 rpm.<br />Also, the trim tilt issue noted above was caused by no clamp holding the two leads together back near the engine. NO CHARGE...even better hearing that than the tech telling me...my issues are over.<br />When he put in the new alternator to replace the one putting out little to no voltage....he assumed it was going to fix the trim tilt issue...and the tach issue. It didn't. But, the great marina fixed it today when I took it back in citing the same problem.<br />hope this helps anyone with a similar issue.