Loss of Power - Please Please Help

[harrydohnert]

I have seen this issue all over the posts, but I have no really found any solutions. I have an issue that when I run my boat for a while, I start to lose power, until the engine will eventually conk out. If I turn the boat off and let it sit for a while, I can usually get going again, but the problem will happen more quickly the next time. If I change the main fuel filter. the boat will run fine for another week or two (A few hours running time.) I have changed the carburator strainer. I just got a tune up on the engine. I am pretty sure its some sort of fuel delivery problem, but I can not narrow it down, and it is driving me nuts. Changing the fuel filter is not that big of a deal, and its cheap, but I am wondering if the problem will go away by itself, or does something need to be done. A mechanic I explained the situatuin to, quickly replied, "You need to have your carb rebuilt." If thats the issue, I have no problem doing it.. I just do not want to rebuild my carb, and then its something else. I have a Sea Ray Weekender 230 (1986) 8 Cyl, 230 HP.. Any advise would be greatly appreciated.

 

[tommays]

Re: Loss of Power - Please Please Help

if changeing the filters allows it to run correctly than its whats in the gas tank<br /><br />the biggest question is what the fuel from the water sepator looks like if you pour it into a glass jar <br /><br />does water show up ? or is the filter just cloged up with stuff?<br /><br />tommays

 

[rogerwa]

Re: Loss of Power - Please Please Help

It sounds like a problem I had once where there was crap in the tank. With the activity of towing and running around the lake the sediment in the tank started floating around and getting stuck in the pickup. Once the pressure was off the pickup, it would restart and run again until it became clogged.

 

[harrydohnert]

Re: Loss of Power - Please Please Help

If it is junk in the tank, is there anyway to get rid of the problem without replacing the tank?

 

[Wotknot]

Re: Loss of Power - Please Please Help

If the pickup tube out of the tank is easy to get to, FIRST disconnect the battery's ground, then raise the bow up so all the water and crud will settle down towards the stern. Next remove the tube from the tank and siphon out all the water and/or crud that'll be there. You may not can get all of it out but anything will be better than what you've got right now.