stalls when backing off throttle

[barrman]

I have an 89 searay 16' (first boat) that was initially running fine aside from rough starting until I started playing a little rough doing tight aqua-donuts for 20 minutes or so. Shortly after that I began to notice it running rough and now wants to stall everytime I back the throttle down. It has a mercruiser 3.0L I/O engine that has a merc 2 barrel carb. I've cleaned out the filter screen in the carb, added carb cleaner, checked that the fuel lines were clean and also confirmed fuel pump vent tube was dry. I suspect that crud has gotten into the carb and I need to do a rebuild. Any other ideas before I spend the time, money and effort ?

 

[P.V.]

Re: stalls when backing off throttle

Never, never slow down!!! <br /><br /><br />But, if you must, I would suggest that you may have a flooding carb. Look down the barrels (carefully) after you run the engine and it "acts" up. There should be no "drip,drip,drip" of fuel from the nozzels, if there is.. it's rebuild time!!

 

[Don S]

Re: stalls when backing off throttle

Could be water in the fuel. You should really have a water seperating fuel filter installed between the tank and fuel pump and change it yearly at a minimum.<br />Check the carb and see if it's pumping fuel or water into the engine.

 

[barrman]

Re: stalls when backing off throttle

The problem is solved after installing a fuel line filter and rebuilding the carb.<br />Thanx for your help.