Stalling in rough seas

[JustMrWill]

Background:<br />Over winter..rebuilt Quadrajet carb...been tweaking idle mixture and idle screws alittle each time I go out. Got my idle down to 600 RPM and running fairly well. After last adjustment...started backfiring at WOT (need to adjust alile more I guess). <br /><br />Problem:<br />Last 3 times out (at three different adjustments) I stalled after hitting a 4-5 wave...engine just lost power and after a second or two - stalled. Waited a minute and it started back up...let it idle a minute then it would run fine. What would cause this to happen? Friend suggested float...which seems logical...but what can I do to fix this (other than get fuel injection)?<br /><br />-JustMrWill

 

[Limited-Time]

Re: Stalling in rough seas

Just a thought but how about water in the fuel, could be mixing with the additional action of the waves??

 

[JustMrWill]

Re: Stalling in rough seas

It is stalling on impact from coming off a large wave...rocking/bouncing doesn't seem to be a problem.<br /><br />-JustMrWill

 

[ss9940]

Re: Stalling in rough seas

Have you cleaned up your fuel / water separator? The engine could be sucking up water...

 

[Mahoney]

Re: Stalling in rough seas

Float very well could be it. In off road racing as well, if you tilt to far back or forward the fuel in the bowl can shlosh to the front or back of the bowl and leave the primary jets dry. Also when the fuel moves around the float can artificially set itself high on the fuel level, blocking the inlet needle enough for it to starve for fuel and die.

 

[JustMrWill]

Re: Stalling in rough seas

Is there a "fix" to this..or do I just need to avoid large wake/waves?<br /><br />-JustMrWill

 

[marunr]

Re: Stalling in rough seas

Get a carb kit or manual to find out what the float drop should be set at, then check yours. I actually have mine set about 1/8" higher than the kit recommends since mine would sometimes starve itself while pulling skiers.

 

[DHPMARINE]

Re: Stalling in rough seas

If your 4 - 5 is wave height in feet you are having WAY TOO much fun.<br /><br />Yes I think the waves are causing your problem.<br /><br />DHP

 

[JustMrWill]

Re: Stalling in rough seas

Yes...I KNOW the waves are the catalyst to the problem...I just want to figure out a way to not stall when one jumps in front of me. <br /><br />Unfortunately...the last one (4-5 footer) was in channel heading towards Weymouth ramp..it was just outta nowhere and was not expecting it..Sunday...most conditions were the 1-3 foot variety. I am amazed at how choppy it gets by the Pembrook Pier on a a busy day!<br /><br />Marunr - just rebuilt..it is to speck..but maybe I will raise it a touch and see if it improves. I have mixture screws alittle too lean (backfiring at WOT) so..going to fix that first.<br /><br />-JustMrWill

 

[marunr]

Re: Stalling in rough seas

I just put a rebuilt carb on my old RV and it kept flooding out. I took it apart and it looked like it had been dropped...the interior "walls" surrounding the float were bent and were actually catching the float and keeping it from moving. (Reman Holley from Auto Parts store) I'm just pointing out that your carb could still be off, assuming you didn't rebuild it yourself!

 

[DaveM]

Re: Stalling in rough seas

Something else you might consider is the anti-siphon valve. The first symptoms I had when one started to fail is it would slam closed after crossing a large wave/wake. I found it only after it failed 100% of the time.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[JustMrWill]

Re: Stalling in rough seas

Ok...anti-siphon valve cn get replaced "easily enough" I knoticed a 1/4" and a 3/8"...am I correct to assume that is the size of the gas line?<br /><br />Carb being off is still a suspect...considering the backfiring. Thanks..I will keep y'all posted.<br /><br />-JustMrWill