I recently began having a problem getting up on plane. I put in as usual and started up the lake but the engine started coughing and gagging as I started up on plane. I idled around trying to get it up, and it seemed it was "trying" to catch up, but it never did. <br /><br />I trailered and noticed unusual grease on the hub. I checked the lower unit fuel and found water. I have had the lower unit rebuilt. The mechanic told me to try it now, but I have not went back to the lake as of yet (its quite the distance). I can't check it at home because it only dies under load.<br /><br />My questions are this:<br /><br />Can a lower unit cause this symptom. I think not?<br /><br />It had been a long while since I ran the engine. Does this sound like a fuel problem? Or a stator problem?<br /><br />How can I diagnose the difference between a stator issue and a fuel issue?<br /><br />Finally, if its a stator, is that a job and novice mechanic can handle? I'm not all thumbs, but I'm not a grease monkey either.<br /><br />I am suspecting a stator right now based on what I have read. Just wanted to get opinions. I gotta do something...my sons are about to fish all over themselves.
