350 Magnum Sputtering Issue

[tylermcclintock]

1989 Mach 1 24 ft. Motor was a 350 Magnum that has been built to a 406 2 years ago. Alpha 1 outdrive.

Just bought this boat from a family friend. Took it out the day we bought it for about 2 hours and the thing ran great. Took it out last Friday night, ran great again. Saturday, ran great for about an hour or so, then we slowed to an idle, when i went to take off again motor sputtered, coughed but never died. Parked boat to let it cool off thinking heat may have something to do with it. Cooling down didnt solve the problem. All guages were normal, but as sputtering took place volt gauge and tach would bounce quickly. I have replaced fuel water seperator and checked contents of old filter, no water or debris was present in gas. One thing I have noticed since I bought the boat, but unsure if its related, Every once in a while when i turn key to start position it just clicks once. After about three turns of key to start position it will fire with no problem. Starter is one year old. one thing that throws me off is the boat sputters during acceleration but idles with no problems and will also rev in neutral with no sputter.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated

Im leaning towards ignition issues (igntion switch, distributor) Or would a loose ground somewhere cause these symptoms?

Thanks

 

[Bondo]

Re: 350 Magnum Sputtering Issue

Im leaning towards ignition issues (igntion switch, distributor) Or would a loose ground somewhere cause these symptoms?

Ayuh,.... I think yer headed in the Right direction,...

For the startin'/ wirin' issues,...
Any, 'n Every connection is Suspect,...
Hidden corrosion will do some of these things, like the starter just Clickin'...
Remove, sand, clean, reassemble, 'n grease 'em...

Another possibility for the Stutterin' is the lower shift cable,...
If it's draggin', it can be bumpin' the interrupter switch...