not running well

[rens914]

hey Guys
can anyone point me out were to start looking
after starting the engine (4,3 l vortec) it runs fine in free mode
after switching to forward gear it dies.
aftre a few attempts it runs fine again
running in free water with 2000 rpm no problem
the moent i speed up to > 3000 rpm it dies after about 20 sec's
feels like getting to much petrol
after a few attemps it start again (and runs fine with 2000 rpm)

am going to check the petrol tank again for water in the tank
and going to place new spark plugs, rotor and ingnition cap (they are about 3 seasons old)
the carb has been rebuilt last year

any idea's
rens

[mmwjr]

Hi rens, the first issues sound like a shift interupt problem. Do you have an Alpha outdrive? If so may need cable adjustment or replacement. The second problem sounds like a lack of fuel instead of too much. Could be a weak fuel pump, water in the fuel, clogged fuel filter. If you remove the filter and pour it into a glass any water present will go to the bottom and the fuel will be on the top. I would also change the filter to be sure it isn't clogged. Does the engine have a manual or electric fuel pump? If no water in the fuel I would check the pumps out put pressure.

[rodrigo]

fuel pump? or fuel pressure regulator?

[ss3964spd]

Has a carb so no FP regulator.

Does it die the very moment you put it in forward?

Have you checked the fuel tank vent to make sure it isn't plugged?

[rens914]

OK
will change the fuel filter and check the tank for water.
it's running low on rpm in neutral (400 rpm) so will increase that a bit.
will have to look for the fuel vent ?? don't know were i can find that one.
and
changing spark plugs, rotor and cap doesn't hurt my wallet so will include that too
hope it helps
cheers, rens

[ss3964spd]

Rens, while changing the plugs, rotor and cap certainly won't hurt anything it also won't solve the problem that you have described.

Regarding the fuel tank vent. There is a large hose that connects the gas filler opening to the gas tank. Right next to it should be a smaller hose - that is the vent hose. Make sure it isn't plugged up.

[rens914]

it was water in the fuel tank and filter again !!
Did a check before i launched the boat for the season and didnt find any ???
reason : the water had mixed with the fuel
am going to get rid of all the fuel in the tank tomorrow, replace the filter and refuel with Ron 98
no more Ron 95 for me (it seems to mixe with water)

[mmwjr]

rens914 glad you found the problem. If this has been a reoccuring issue seems you need to find out how the water is getting into the fuel tank. I'd check the o-ring on the fuel file for cracks. You may also concider adding a fuel additive that bonds with water to keep it from causing phase seperation.

[rens914]

i have replaced the 0 ring but it must be the weather conditions in combination to the Ron '95 fuel
we have very big fluctuatione in temps (condensation)
day time it's nice sunny and T-shirt weather. at night i need to switch on the heating and it's near to 0-celcius
has been like that for a few month's now
additive makes the water bond to the petrol.
thats what i have now
fuel with water in it. that doesnt run well.'Octane level must be at about 65
Ron '98 doesnt bond to water so easyer to get rid of (have to empty the tank now in stead of yust pumping out the water).

[mmwjr]

well if you are getting that much condensation i would keep the tank full to miniumize air volume in the tank, less air less water. Use the Ron '98 but still add stabilizer

[rens914]

did all the work and started the engine.
let it idle for 10 minutes and took the boat for a spin.
it ran very nicely.
pick-up was ok and the engine made 4700 rpm without sputtering
so, problem solved and no more '95 for me.
rens