4.3 Merc Low RPM's at WOT

jdjr24

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jul 12, 2012
Messages
33
Hope this is the right forum. (I posted a couple days ago but only put help in the title so I changed to a new title to maybe find some interest) I'm new to the forum so bare with me. I'll give as much detail as I can and if you need something else let me know. I live in NE Ohio. I have a 20 ft Larson with a 4.3 merc 175 HP. I only ran my boat twice last year and didn't notice it running badly but wasn't tip top. This year when I ran it the first time it would barely plane out and was really sluggish getting out of the hole. Once on plane the boat would run 30 MPH (GPS) and 3800-4000 max RPM (Trimmed fully) The first thing I did was tune it up. I have replaced the following already this year: Spark Plugs, Spark Plug Wires, Dist Cap, Rotor, Fuel Filter, Prop, and Alternator. I was running a 3 blade 13.75 X 21 prop but switched to a 14 X 20 4 blade (I wanted to get a quicker hole shot). The next time out it ran better but still sluggish out of the hole and still only ran max 4000 RPMs at WOT. I took it to the shop and had the timing checked (I don't have a timing light nor have adjusted it before. I am a little handy but have limits). It was off 8 deg. Next time out boat ran great. Boat ran 40 mph at 4300-4400 RPM and fully trimmed 45-46 MPH and 4800 RPMs at WOT (which is where I think it should be by seeing other posts). Life was good it was the beg of the season and the boat was running great. Next time out the boat got out of the hole shot good but not as good as right after I had the timing fixed. Once the boat planned out it was running 33 MPH at 3800 RPMs and 35 MPH but never went over 4000 RPMS at WOT (via GPS). I also now have a slight miss/hesitation in low speeds and in higher speeds. It is not consistent just every once in a while. I called the shop and he thought it may be a Module (which I think is rare but could be a possibility) but before I go spending the money for that I wanted to see what you guys thought. My thoughts are the Coil (but don't know if that effects my problem), Fuel Separator (If mine has one lol see that on another post) anti siphon valve. The boat seems to run pretty smooth now but just not where it was right after I had the timing adjusted. (Oh almost forgot) I had the timing rechecked today and the shop indicated it was the same as they set it. All thoughts and comments are much appreciated. I have also rechecked the fuel filter (it was clean) after running the sea foam and checked the anti siphon valve which was clean, the spring was working and the ball seemed to not be sticking. I have not replaced my coil yet. Would the coil effect the timing being advanced. All thoughts are appreciated.
 

jdjr24

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jul 12, 2012
Messages
33
Re: 4.3 Merc Low RPM's at WOT

Just curious about the coil before I replace it. I was going to order one by wanted to see your thoughts. Does the coil help advance the timing if so I think the timing may not be advancing all the way or do I have carb issues
 

89Donzi

Cadet
Joined
Jun 22, 2012
Messages
21
Re: 4.3 Merc Low RPM's at WOT

My buddies boat with a Volvo Penta setup with the 4.3 had the same problem...turned out the vacuum secondaries were stuck shut in the bores. So it was only running on 2 barrels...
 

theBrownskull

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jun 23, 2012
Messages
625
Re: 4.3 Merc Low RPM's at WOT

You have replaced pretty much everything. Is the miss a "quick" type miss indicative of an electrical problem or a slow miss like it is starving for fuel....
 

IanFS

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Apr 21, 2009
Messages
188
Re: 4.3 Merc Low RPM's at WOT

Coil lead breaking down or sticking valve??
 

jdjr24

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jul 12, 2012
Messages
33
Re: 4.3 Merc Low RPM's at WOT

It's quick most of the time. I was the only one who noticed it when it first started happening. But some are more noticible then others
 

jdjr24

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jul 12, 2012
Messages
33
Re: 4.3 Merc Low RPM's at WOT

So I have replaced the coil. I haven't had much time to get out but finally got out over the weekend. Still have same problems as in original post. Boat runs good except only gets to 35 mph and doesn't go over 4000 Rome via gps. Any other suggestions
 
Joined
Mar 27, 2010
Messages
3,008
Re: 4.3 Merc Low RPM's at WOT

What year is that 4.3?

I'll post a link to the service manual for it.

You should invest in a DMM (digital multi meter), and your own timing light. With the things you've done to date there's no reason for you to be apprehensive about checking the timing, it's easy to do and their not that expensive either.

With the meter, you can check the coil to see if it is good or bad, by testing resistance of it. The specs and procedure are in the manual.

I don't know what kind of distributor you have, they have changed thru the years, but advance on older models was done with springs under the mounting plate for the points in the dizzy. Advances by centrifugal force, as rpm's increase so does advance to a point.

Yours having a module is most likely different than that.
 

jdjr24

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jul 12, 2012
Messages
33
Re: 4.3 Merc Low RPM's at WOT

The boat is a 1992. The only reason I replaced the coil before testing is that it wasn't that expensive and I didn't have the specs for the voltage. I have a multi meter jsut didn't know the voltage. I would apprecaite the service manual. At this point I am not sure how to solve my problem. Last time out I was able to slalom ski with out dragging. My problem is at WOT. I haven't replaced the ante siphon valve but I checked it and it seemed ok but for the price of replacing I may do it anyway. I would think I would notice more problems (back firing, stalling) but I don't have either so I am stumped as to where to go from here. You are correct in that under my distributor cap I don't have points. If I am correct instead of points there is a sensore under the distributor cap. Does this sensor help adavnce the timing? If it does what is the name of the sensor and what is the price (or can you test it before replacing). All help is much appreciated. Trying to get her running right by season end so I am ready to go next year with little maintence. BTW this site is truely amazing and the people are great.
 

jdjr24

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jul 12, 2012
Messages
33
Re: 4.3 Merc Low RPM's at WOT

Thanks Eric 3.7LX Alpha 1 for the link. After all I have done does anyone have any suggestions on my next step to determine if I have a fuel or electrical problem. My issue is at WOT and I am still running approx 8 MPH slow and 800 RPMS slower then I should be at WOT. Does this sound like a carb issue?
 

jdjr24

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jul 12, 2012
Messages
33
I had the above issue last year and went unresolved as I ran out of time towards the end of last year. While I was getting the boat ready I checked the Fuel Filter again and it had quite a bit of stuff in it. This must mean that there is gunk in the bottom of my gas tank which I am going to remove and clean. I also looked at the anti siphon valve and it seems to be in good working order but I am going to replace it just in case it has gunk from the gas tank in it. My question would be would this cause the low RPM at WOT. I am assuming yes but how clogged would the fuel filter need to be before it would cause such a problem.

My second question would be what is the best way to clean the tank? I was planning to remove the tank and swoosh gas around the tank and dump and repeat over and over until it was clean. Any suggestions.
 

jdjr24

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jul 12, 2012
Messages
33
UPDATE. I was finally able to work on the boat this spring to diagnose the above issue. Through other posts I found a the check list from Don S and was able to determine that my Ignition/Dizzy Sensor was bad. I replaced it with a new one which is a better part as it is all enclosed rather then using solder like the the original. I just wanted to give a final update so if anybody else has this issue to be sure to listen to the guys here they know what there talking about. I learned alot and solved my problem. I want to thank Eric 3.7LX Alpha for getting me the links to my boat manuals and to Don S as he helped with this issue and was able to walk me through testing of a trim pump motor. If I could buy you a beer I would. Much Appreciated. Thanks to all.
 

1216bandit

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Aug 18, 2008
Messages
214
Cool that you got things sorted out and tip of the hat to you for getting back with the results....I am sure the guys that helped you out will appreciate it.
 
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