Honda '95 BF50A Perf. Problems

[suks2bme]

I have a '95 BF50A I bought used and have it mounted on a '97 Scout Sportfish 162. I have water separators ( not sure of condition yet ), I have checked the fuel filter, I am using an 11 1/4 x 13 x 3 prop....My WOT is about 5200 rpm and I seem to stall at ~3800 to 4000 and it takes 20 to 30 seconds ( or more if three people on the boat )to get on a plane and raise the rpms to WOT. Any suggestions?

 

[Navigator]

Re: Honda '95 BF50A Perf. Problems

When you say it stalls, is there any noticible change in the engine sound, such as a cylinder dropping momentarily? It could be a sticky float valve in one of the carbs.<br /><br />When it stalls have you tried pumping the primer bulb? if that helps, then its a fuel issue. If so then the first thing I'd try is to bypass the water separators and see if it smoothes out. <br /><br />There are many things it could be. Please give us a bit more info like :<br />Has it always been this way?<br />if you back off down to 3800 and punch it, does it stall again or does it only happen on initial powerup.<br />Does it happen when engine is both Hot and Cold?<br />When was the last time the Fuel filter was replaced? <br />How did you "check" the fuel filter? did you add fuel and observed that it poured out as fast as you added it in, or did you just "blow" through it and inspect it visually?<br /><br />Sorry for all the questions, but it will make things easier for us.<br /><br />Nav

 

[suks2bme]

Re: Honda '95 BF50A Perf. Problems

Sorry about the rough description. What I meant by stall is that the engine seems to loose power and acts as if the boat is 3/4 full of water while trying to plane. When I checked the fuel filter it looked brand new with no particulte at all. I did not try to pour fuel through it like you suggested. It feels like I would imagine the engine would react to grass wrapped around the lower unit. To check this I have removed the prop and have seen no foriegn material. When I first ran this engine, I seem to remember more power and quicker plane. The more I've done research, the more I am certain that it is not an underpowered hull, but something else that is getting gradually worse. I use 87 octane or higher fuel, and fully trim down to get up on a plane.