1988 Merc 200 HP Intermittent Problem

[Jeff Weiss]

Two weeks ago we purchased a 1988 Champion 201 Fish and Ski with a 200 HP Merc. The engine runs very strong with good compression etc. I have had occassional difficulty keeping it running while at slow/idle speeds. It seems that I have to give it a lot of throttle and then put it into gear quickly to keep it running. It does not like to simply idle around at slow speeds. When it dies it is difficult to start. I found that by opening the throttle to 3/4 and choking it, it started. I did find that two of the bolts/screws on the fuel pump were loose and that fuel was seeping out. Upon tightening them down, I ran the boat but still had a problem. It does really like to fly. It will jump up on plane and go without any sputtering or missing normally. On two occassions I did have the engine bog-down and die while getting up on plane. It would then restart and run perfectly. I think this is an intermittent fuel problem. I was thinking of putting in a fuel pump kit and maybe replacing the fuel line and primer bulb. It seems that I can almost always pump gas into the motor with the bulb. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[andy6374]

Re: 1988 Merc 200 HP Intermittent Problem

First, do not high rev in neutral and than slam it into gear as this is terrible for the gearcase.

Since your engine runs well at planeing speeds I doubt your fuel pump is at fault.
Most likely your carbs are dirty, which would require a disassembly and cleaning. Or it could be your low speed stator coils but this I doubt too.

 

[Jeff Weiss]

Re: 1988 Merc 200 HP Intermittent Problem

Thanks for the reply. I am careful not to slam the motor into gear after revving it. I always try to crisply shift so that I do not wear gear teeth etc. I have a feeling that I am more of a problem than the motor. Next time out I will give it more throttle at start-up then I have been. I need to get used to the quirks of the motor. I would like to clean the carbs and will look into getting carb kits etc. plus a manual. I may go ahead and do the fuel line/primer bulb as well as a fuel pump kit just to know these are healthy. The boat is a blast as the motor runs very strongly. It pops on plane quickly and just keeps going. I know that there is nothing major wrong, I just want it to be correct.