1989 Evinrude 88 SPL Stalls when wide open

lee1975

Recruit
Joined
Mar 25, 2012
Messages
2
This motor idles fine. It chugs along just fine. When I push it to plane, it does, and within 30 seconds, the motor chokes out and usually stalls, but it starts right back up, and will do this once or twice, but then it is fine usually. I was running across the lake, and had been for about 10 minutes, and then it stalled. New gas didn't help. I just bought this boat second hand from a dealership, since it was older, the warranty was only for 10 days, and we had high seas here in kansas for the first 10 days I had it. any ideas as to what causes an outboard to be running fine and then cough choke!
 

wired247

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Oct 8, 2011
Messages
1,557
Re: 1989 Evinrude 88 SPL Stalls when wide open

I'd start with fouled plugs. Then I'd get a factory service manual and start looking at fuel supply/carb problems. If the carbs are set up right and the fuel pump is pumping I'd start looking at ignition stuff.
 

SparkieBoat

Captain
Joined
Aug 17, 2009
Messages
3,643
Re: 1989 Evinrude 88 SPL Stalls when wide open

i would suspect fuel pump or fuel line connections sucking air.
 

lee1975

Recruit
Joined
Mar 25, 2012
Messages
2
Re: 1989 Evinrude 88 SPL Stalls when wide open

Thank you so much. I will check fuel pump, lines and spark plugs. I wish I knew more about outboard engines, but I am more computer savvy than mechanical. It seems whenever I try fixing one thing, I break another.
 

BonairII

Commander
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Jun 7, 2011
Messages
2,727
Re: 1989 Evinrude 88 SPL Stalls when wide open

Try to pump the primer bulb when you start to stall. If it does help, probably fuel pump not keeping up with demand and you're draining your carb bowls dry.
 

wired247

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Oct 8, 2011
Messages
1,557
Re: 1989 Evinrude 88 SPL Stalls when wide open

Thank you so much. I will check fuel pump, lines and spark plugs. I wish I knew more about outboard engines, but I am more computer savvy than mechanical. It seems whenever I try fixing one thing, I break another.

Don't worry. You will become an expert in their care and feeding.
 

emdsapmgr

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Dec 9, 2005
Messages
11,551
Re: 1989 Evinrude 88 SPL Stalls when wide open

Using Bonarill's test method is a good way to test for a weak fuel pump.
 
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