problems with '85 skier

[sberry3827]

Ok, so my boat has been running great, until my last two times out. It does fine at speed, but when idling or just barely moving, such as through a no wake zone, it starts to run rough then stalls. I can keep it running if I give it throttle. Does this sound like a fuel filter problem? I HOPE!! I haven't look at it yet either, so is the fuel filter by the fuel tank or the motor. Also, what should the oil pressure be at idle speed after the boat is nice and warmed up. :confused:

[east tx skier]

If it does fine at speed, I'd be willing to bet that it's not the fuel filter as it would give you problems when you're trying to run a lot of fuel into it.

Just a guess to push your post back up, how 'bout that carb?

[Workin' 4 Toys]

I'd bet carb adjustment and/or cleaning is in order. Or possibly bad fuel but less likely.
At idle, I would think your Oil Press. should be around 20 to 30 psi. Depending alot on temp. and oil viscosity you use.
What is warmed up to you? 120/140/160/180?

[Cloaked]

Ok, so my boat has been running great, until my last two times out. It does fine at speed, but when idling or just barely moving, such as through a no wake zone, it starts to run rough then stalls. I can keep it running if I give it throttle. Does this sound like a fuel filter problem? I HOPE!! I haven't look at it yet either, so is the fuel filter by the fuel tank or the motor. Also, what should the oil pressure be at idle speed after the boat is nice and warmed up. :confused:Symptomatic of a H-4110 carb. Or a gasket in the carb sucking air.

Air screw adjustments correct or need tweaking??

$0.02

[sberry3827]

warmed is about 140, and running just over 20 psi. Glad to here that though cuz I thought that was kind of low. I hope its not the carb, I was hoping for the quick fix. Seems to me that if the fuel filter was plugged up slightly, then when I throttle it, the gas would push through harder. I dont know, I was just coming up with theories in my head to get it fixed cheap.

[sberry3827]

i hate messing with carbs, i'm affraid i'll end up worse off.

[dog paw]

Could have a needle and seat in the carb not sealing especially if it has been sitting. Look down the carb bores while it is idling, if gas is dribbling out of the venturi then they are leaking and overfilling the float bowl At idle you should not be able to see any liquid fuel thru any of the venturi. Make sure the choke is opening fully also

[Double Overhead]

Mine ran rough at idle and slow speeds. Turned out I had a weak fuel pump.

[6ballsisall]

Dont rule out electrical just yet. Whens the last time you checked your points and the gap? That would be worth checking, I had some points that were shot and the boat ran like crap down low but once you got it going you'd never know they went bad. Wouldn't hurt to throw a timing light on there as well.

If thats not the case then you probably have a carb issue. It could be as simple as adjusting the fuel/air mixture. How fast does the engine idle out of gear?

[iokua]

Sberry,

Any luck? My '85 just started doing this over the weekend. Ran fine for an hour or so, then came down to idle and noticed it was running rough. I had to increase idle to keep it from stalling so I could get back to the ramp. Points, condenser, rotor and cap are brand new; new Holley 4160 carb from Skidim with less than 10 hours on it. New plugs/wires.......at this point I'm stumped. I've tried adjusting the idle mixture but that doesn't seem to help. I've also notice though that the lowest idle I can achieve seems high (if my tach is working properly, it indicates about 1100 rpms with the idle screw all the way out). Skidim had the idle screws set at 3/4 and 1 turn out which seems lean to me.

Any suggestions anyone?

[BriEOD]

Have you tried checking your timing?

[dog paw]

Still sound like a carb problem. If it is float related you can do the harry hillbilly diagnostic procedure of pinching off the fuel supply at the fuel pump while it is running. After the exess fuel is burt off it should smooth out. Unpinch the line and it will flood up again. Cant rule out a popped powervalve. Im sure all the newer carbs have the backfire check ball in them

[iokua]

Thanks for the replies; the local MC dealer had just installed new points/condenser and adjusted the timing........so I pulled the spark arrestor off a few minutes ago and noticed that the choke was missing some "spring".....meaning; I remember being able to push down on the choke and it popping back up; specifically because I have to have my spark arrestor adjusted just right otherwise the choke catches on it and the boat won't run properly. So I'm thinking the spring on the choke fell off while I had it out on the river.........does anyone happen to have a pic of their Holley 4160 where I could see how the spring is attached? I'll call around tomorrow and try to find one.

[Cloaked]

I would be pleased to post a pic of mine but I can't until tomorrow after work. I know you want to get this resolved in the mean time. Keep us posted and if you are still in need tomorrow, I'll pic and post.

[iokua]

Thanks, Sporty - however last night after I posted I realized I was being a dumbarse........the choke had no "spring" because it was engaged. So this brings me to my next question. I'm obviously still learning about the carb operation - when/how does the choke engage. It's electronic, right? So the ignition should somehow engage the choke........the fact that the rpm's seem to stay a little high makes me wonder if something is wrong with the choke (maybe it's staying partially engaged all the time)?

[jimjohn]

Any progress so far?

[iokua]

Replaced the plugs and it runs a little better; I also adjusted the throttle linkage and that solved my high idle problem. Now it sounds like it's missing; more so around 1000rpms and up to around 2000-2500. I'm going to try and get my hands on a timing light tonight and check the timing...........

[6ballsisall]

I didnt reread the whole thread but did you try your points? I had this happen to mine and turns out the points had gone kaput. Almost sounds like a spark issue to me. :twocents:

[iokua]

I haven't done anything to the points/condensor as they were just replaced by the local MC dealer........I'm assuming they set the timing too but don't know for sure. I agree and think the "miss" I'm hearing is a spark issue (and not lack of fuel); however I checked spark on the old plugs and every plug was firing. That's what makes me think it may be a timing issue. I hope the coil isn't going on me........thanks for the input.