Mercruiser 4.3LX Hesitation and loud click?

[fester]

Hi Everyone,

I’m now the proud owner of a 2001 Maxum 1800SC (Engine is a 1996 4.3 LX/LXH ALPHA AND BRAVO (GEN +). Took it out for the first-time last Sunday and ran like a dream.................. until things got a little weird.

After a few runs with water skiing, I noticed some hesitation on full acceleration.. Eventually it mustered up the courage to get to plain and continued as normal for another 1 or two runs between skiing. Then hesitation occurred again and heard a click (backfire?) noise from the engine compartment it continued but stopped on idle.. took 1 or two attempts to get it going again however eventually got it back to the slip on low speed.

Previous mechanic (who was also the broker) asked me to check the fuel pump. Started engine with cups in my back yard with no issues in idle or in throttle/gear. With the engine off I could hear pump going like a flushing cistern . Next he asked me to bypass the oil pressure sender (pic attached) and it also worked without issue. He said it could be a coil issue and might need replacing.

History of the boat.. Previous owner hit the outleg and prop.. Had a complete engine rebuild and new outboard leg 2017. Got a mechanic to give it the once over before I purchased it.. Unfortunately, he didn’t do a compression test but said everything else looked in order. The boat ran perfectly on the water during the two tests we did before purchasing and we did put it through its paces.

Previous work done before I bought the boat:

• Fully reconditioned engine with New exhaust manifoulds all work completed 2017
• Alpha one gen 2 drive. new gearbox, propeller, impeller kit, gimble bearing, drive & exhaust boots & control cable kit, new gauges fitted all work completed 2018.
• fully serviced 2018.
• New starter motor/battery/battery switch fitted 2019.
• fully serviced 2019.

I’m tempted to try bringing it out on the water again to see if it reoccurs but a little apprehensive in case something goes wrong. I’m a complete newbie when it comes to boating and I’m learning fast as I go. Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks everyone!!