4.3L Mercruiser Stalling. Yes I used the search function....

Okay, I'm new to boats and just bought a '90 Rinker 206. The 4.3L is mated to an Alpha I (not sure if gen I or II?)

The boat will continue to idle fine even after putting it into gear after allowing it to warm up (140-160F). However, once in gear if I give it some throttle it will stall. I've tried giving it throttle slowly, at a medium pace, and at a quick jolt and same issue. After a while I can get it to stop stalling and it will run fine and doesn't have any issues at speed. I can then bring it down to lower rpm's and then give it gas and have no issues. Once I idle for a few seconds it will then stall once in gear after giving it some throttle.

Anyways, I searched the forum and found that the shift cable can get corroded and stiff. I checked it and it didnt seam stiff and I adjusted it to see if it was causing issues with the stalling. No change while out on the water. Actually, I adjusted it a little to far and had to bring the barrel back a few turns. Still no change. Could it be the kill switch sticking or maybe I'm missing something with the cable? Or do I have a carb adjustment issue? It looks like a stock 2bbl carb. I've always had fuel injected engines so carbs are a little foreign to me. I understand the basic principles of a carb but have no experience working with them. I'm not afraid to learn, however.

I will say that I notice a rich fuel smell at low speeds and thought maybe the car is running too ruch and that is why it is cutting out?

Re: 4.3L Mercruiser Stalling. Yes I used the search function....

It doesn't sound like the shift interrupt switch, but the easy way to find out is disconnect the wire running to it and try. If the problem still happens, it isn't the switch.

Could be a carb problem, or a fuel pump problem. Does it have a fuel filter? Could be plugged or full of water. How old is the gas? Could certainly be the problem as well.

Re: 4.3L Mercruiser Stalling. Yes I used the search function....

Does any gas drip into the throat after it's been shut off? Any issues if you kill the motor, then try and restart a minute or two later?
Sounds like it's running rich/flooding at idle.

You can pull a spark plug and read it also...if it's real sooty after it's been idliling, it's running way rich.

Check you idle mix screw(s) also.

Re: 4.3L Mercruiser Stalling. Yes I used the search function....

Thanks for the quick replies so far. I will check the plugs after idling and check the fuel filter. I assume the fuel filter is directly attached to the engine somewhere...

Re: 4.3L Mercruiser Stalling. Yes I used the search function....

Sounds like a stuck closed choke. Remove flame arrestor and verify choke is opening when warm and throttle is opened.

Re: 4.3L Mercruiser Stalling. Yes I used the search function....

CHARGER2 said:

Sounds like a stuck closed choke. Remove flame arrestor and verify choke is opening when warm and throttle is opened.

Click to expand...

That's what I was also thinking.

When was a full tune up done last?