Merc Inline won't pull up skier

**kswiatk** · 08-21-2019, 02:17 PM

Originally Posted by FMP

Lugging @ 2800 , plug wires, coils etc?

Havent tried changing out either yet.

**SS Minnow** · 08-21-2019, 02:28 PM

What is the background on this boat?
Did you recently buy it?
Did you know if it ever ran right, as in, was able to pull a skier. Just wondering.

**kswiatk** · 08-21-2019, 02:41 PM

Originally Posted by SS Minnow

What is the background on this boat?
Did you recently buy it?
Did you know if it ever ran right, as in, was able to pull a skier. Just wondering.

Bought last October non-running, fixed it up partially and got one run in before winter.
This year have been working to get it going. Found water intrusion on a few pistons on the old powerhead and one piston was toast.
I opted to purchase a well priced partially rebuilt powerhead from a member on here.

Replaced all the components listed on the initial post as I was solving spark/fueling issues throughout the summer.

I have never been able to pull a slalom skier up. Both powerheads have in gear idle issues, however the new one is much better. Dies unless you give a little bit of throttle when going to gear. Out of gear idle sitting at 900-1000 rpm.

**SS Minnow** · 08-21-2019, 02:45 PM

Does it sneeze, or cough at idle?
Or if run with cover is off while running, do you see a lot of fuel spit back out of carbs?

**kswiatk** · 08-21-2019, 02:55 PM

Originally Posted by SS Minnow

Does it sneeze, or cough at idle?
Or if run with cover is off while running, do you see a lot of fuel spit back out of carbs?

Not really, maybe if i set it way too low. If I don't give it any initial throttle after putting it into gear it will just die, no sputtering or anything, almost like turning the key. Once i get it past that I can bring the throttle back to idle at 600-700 rpm in gear.

No spit back at all, I've tried with my hand over the throats.

**SS Minnow** · 08-21-2019, 03:02 PM

Damn. You have a gremlin on your hands.

You verified that your timing pointer is set correctly?

**Gordon02** · 08-21-2019, 03:02 PM

If you Google "Weighing Trailer With Bathroom Scale" you'll see steps on estimating total weight. Another suggestion is to take photos of the boat in the water with no passengers. Several on here will recognize what is or is not normal with boat attitude. Have at least 1 pic from the side showing the entire waterline and at least 1 from the back so we can see how much of the engine's bracket is clear or submerged.

Gordon

**kswiatk** · 08-21-2019, 03:28 PM

Originally Posted by Gordon02

If you Google "Weighing Trailer With Bathroom Scale" you'll see steps on estimating total weight. Another suggestion is to take photos of the boat in the water with no passengers. Several on here will recognize what is or is not normal with boat attitude. Have at least 1 pic from the side showing the entire waterline and at least 1 from the back so we can see how much of the engine's bracket is clear or submerged.

Gordon

I happen to have one photo like that on me, I would have to get more detailed ones. The lowest point on the ribbon below the word "blue" is about 4.5 inches from the bottom edge.

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I checked the timing point after i replaced the PHD, but I will check again to be sure.

**SS Minnow** · 08-21-2019, 03:37 PM

No expert on that boat in particular, but that does not look like it is sitting heavy.

**Gordon02** · 08-21-2019, 04:06 PM

Agree - this looks normal. Your boat does not look stern heavy to me. I would suggest that you get some 3M 5200 and make sure all the holes in the transom are sealed. I'm not implying they aren't sealed, but water intrusion can ruin a good boat. Go Blue if you can leave it out of the water for 7 days (best stuff on earth). Go Red (Fast Cure) if you only have 24 hours - 700 inch/lbs strength). Gordon

**FMP** · 08-21-2019, 04:50 PM

Trade?
https://indianapolis.craigslist.org/...942162735.html

**pcrussell50** · 08-21-2019, 06:08 PM

Originally Posted by kswiatk

I happen to have one photo like that on me, I would have to get more detailed ones. The lowest point on the ribbon below the word "blue" is about 4.5 inches from the bottom edge.

I checked the timing point after i replaced the PHD, but I will check again to be sure.

Nice looking boat.

Among this group, I'm probably the last one to ask about motor troubles, but are you completely sure your sticking needle issue has been solved? Because the behavior you described in your first post sounds like you might still have it.

PS I'm the guy from post #26 with a 1987 2.0l 150 on an eighteen footer who asked if my boat could deep-water-start a slalom skier. Because next summer our little girls will be old enough to spot and I want to try skiing again. I have a nice wide single ski. I hope mine can do it for me.

-Peter

**Motv18** · 08-21-2019, 06:09 PM

Try not tucking in all the way down you might be leveraging the bow up to high. Baja like to come out flat not shoot the moon like bassboats.

Check the part throttle timing, the advance curve might not match the distributor

carb i might say look at the power valve but the pressure bothers me a bit. Check the floats with fuel in the carb might have a density issue

check the prop for damage. If you have the old hub it might be slipping

**nitro_rat** · 08-21-2019, 06:27 PM

Originally Posted by Dave S

My next thing I will say a V4 rude......HeeHee......Just kidding guys.

I started reading this thread at the end and thought "I bet a V4 OMC would do it for him!" Then came to the beginning and saw this...

Sorry I'm no help, unless you hit craigslist for an old 115 Evinrude

"I'm with Dave"

PS: Don't overlook later 90's (like the old 115) any 140, and remember newer 115's are like the older 140's. Old 135's are cool too! This is for crossflows, IDK anything about 90° looper 4's... Oh yeah, I'm a Merc guy so if I got any of that stuff wrong, my apologies!

**kswiatk** · 08-21-2019, 06:32 PM

Originally Posted by FMP

Trade?
https://indianapolis.craigslist.org/...942162735.html

That would definetely be the best solution, unfortunately that would cost 10x more than I paid for the boat.

As for the transom, I have already sealed up those holes unfortunately the water damage is already done and I am redoing the transom this winter, if I can figure out the motor.

Pcrussel, I doubt youll have a problem pulling them up.. as long as everything good.
When I fixed my initial needle and seat problem, I couldn't get up on plane at all. I could also see way less fuel shooting from the main venturi in the carb than the other two.
Replaced it and it got onto plane. I am planning on replacing the other two before this weekend, but am looking for other possibilities before I go test sunday.