1997 Mercruiser 4.3 dies right off idle!

[Flipper1983]

I have a 1997 Celebrity 180 with a 4.3 liter Mercruiser. The boat starts right up and idles great. I can put it into gear at an idle and it runs great. The problem is when I throttle right off of idle it just dies. You know that spot you want in the no wake zone. I can push past that spot though and it gets up and runs just fine. It doesnt matter if I am throttling up or backing out of it as soon as it hits that spot it just dies. One time when backing out of the throttle I hit that spot and it ran for about 15 seconds and the whole time before it died the rps were jumping up and down. Like it wanted to run but then it would start to sputter but then the rpm would come back up like it wanted to run at those low rpm.

Things I have done to try and fix the problem.

Rebuilt the carb

Replaced the fuel pump ( it was bad boat would not run at all before )

Cleaned the fuel tank ( not drained took it out and that baby is shinning like new now I know its not the culprit )

Replaced water fuel seperator filter.

The carb only has two adjustment screws on the front and from my understanding those only control the idle and it idles great.

Could this be a timing issue? Or what are some suggestions or trouble shooting tips to try and figure out what is wrong.

Any help would be great.

Thanks
Richard

 

[Bondo]

Re: 1997 Mercruiser 4.3 dies right off idle!

One time when backing out of the throttle I hit that spot and it ran for about 15 seconds and the whole time before it died the rps were jumping up and down. Like it wanted to run but then it would start to sputter but then the rpm would come back up like it wanted to run at those low rpm.

Ayuh,... Here's My WAGuess,+ it really Is a WAGuess....

Your lower shift cable is buggered up,+ needs replacing....
It's somehow bumping the Interupter Switch...Causing the stuttering,+ stalling...