Mercruiser 3.0L frustrating problem

[Phil_ush]

Hi,

Big problems with my 1989 17ft Sea Ray 'Seville', fitted with 130HP 3.0 ltr Mercruiser.

Launched 8 times since purchasing her in good running order (immediatly had the engine serviced & bellows replaced after purchase).

She starts first time every time and can cruise at 30 knots, however.....Every time we're at sea ( or nicely warmed up) she 'cut's out' comes to a bur, bur, bur, sounding spluttering halt!

If we wait 10 minutes, she'll start again, but then cut out again....we either just manage to make it home or usually towed back to harbour!

Last launch we took a new coil with us, predictably she broke down whilst at sea....we replaced the coil with a new one whilst at sea as l thought this could be getting hot and failing, thus not creating a reliable spark....The engine started immediatly, but spluttered to a halt again within 10 minutes...so not the coil then!

As soon as she starts to splutter, and we throttle forward the engine continues to splutter, and cut out (if we leave it and do not apply throttle she will splutter to a halt too)...it can happen at low 1500 revs as well as under demand.

Any ideas?!?!!??!

Phil.

 

[Limited-Time]

Re: Mercruiser 3.0L frustrating problem

You need to isolate what's dropping out. Compression (not likely) fuel, or spark. That said it sounds like a fuel delivery issue. Have a look at the Adults Only thread at the top of the forum. Great stuff there.

 

[Blaze5509]

Re: Mercruiser 3.0L frustrating problem

My gut instinct says clogged fuel filter. If you keep it at idle it will run all day long but if you command fuel it will clog the fuel filter completely and kill the engine...usually within about 10 minutes it will restart.

I'm not sure how your fuel tank is set up but sometimes sediment on the bottom of a tank (caused by a vehicle that sat too long with a low fuel level) can cause a recurring fuel problem with the only solution is to remove and clean the fuel tank.

Its just a suggestion and hope it helps shed some light on one possible solution.

 

[180shabah]

Re: Mercruiser 3.0L frustrating problem

Boats that sit are prime targets for spiders and mud daubers - is your fuel tank vent obstructed? Next time it starts to sputter, open the fuel fill. If it clears up, clear your vent line.

There is a great section in the adults only section about troubleshooting your fuel system.

 

[Phil_ush]

Re: Mercruiser 3.0L frustrating problem

thanks for your advice here guys, l've just returned from holiday and will start to work through suggestions!

Thanks again.

Phil.