Re: Row Row Row My Boat (4.3L Mercruiser, Bad Alternator?)
 

You left out "All of the above" :D

Don't be ridiculous--it's a boat we're talking about here.

This would be my guess, but it's a boat we're talking about here, so...

Distinctly possible.

Too expensive. You'd have to strip her of all pollutants (engine, gas tank, outdrive, anything else), first. Probably the upholstery, any wood (it's no doubt all treated), probably all the wire and electronics, as well. ;)

Btw: Before invoking the expensive option, I'd consider obtaining a replacement coil and trying that, first.

Or... Do these engines have electronic ignitions, or are they the old points-and-condenser systems? It's been a long time, but... this is kind of sounding like a condenser problem, maybe?

Jim

Re: Row Row Row My Boat (4.3L Mercruiser, Bad Alternator?)
 

I'm going with C and either 2 or 3 since you are taking it in. My actual guess as to the cause of the gripe is a combination of fuel/water separator filter and carb inlet filter.

Re: Row Row Row My Boat (4.3L Mercruiser, Bad Alternator?)
 

So why doesn't my boat stay running past 3000 RPMs? Why does it run OK at idle and at no-wake speeds, but die shortly after getting up on plane?

After a careful inspection, the Mercruiser techs are saying...


(wait for it)


Badly corroded carburetor.

As in, "it's really pretty bad. It shouldn't be rebuilt, but replaced." As in, "there's been a lot of water in the gas over the years." As in, "the previous owner may have messed it up, or used a lot of gas with ethanol because this was years in the making."

So there you have it. Another $900 bucks. :shakehead: At least the shiny new (well, remanned) carb will match the shiny new alternator.

Re: Row Row Row My Boat (4.3L Mercruiser, Bad Alternator?)
 

That's why I started using Sta-Bil marine formula right off. Ethanol and (older) boats are Not A Good Mix.

If you haven't seen it: Tell EPA to Wait on Ethanol Increase. Summary: EPA, at the urging of ethanol producers, want's to increase ethanol in gasoline from the current 10% (E10) to 15% (E15), without first researching the possible side-effects. E10 was a disaster for the marine industry. You would have thought they'd take that into consideration. But I guess not when Big Money (ethanol producers, in this case) is speaking. So much for "Change You Can Belive In," eh? :rolleyes:

*Ouch*! That really is a case of Bring Out Another Thousand!

Well, at least the problem's identified and relatively easily fixed.

Jim

Re: Row Row Row My Boat (4.3L Mercruiser, Bad Alternator?)
 

At least you have gotten to the source of the problem, and a valuable lesson learned for all others out there.
Now you can get out there and enjoy your summer :wink_thumbup:

Re: Row Row Row My Boat (4.3L Mercruiser, Bad Alternator?)
 

Hmmmmm....Summit Racing has a package. 600 CFM Edelbrock 1409, K&N flame arrestor, and new studs for $420. You need the 1485 kit with metering rods and jet kit for the 4.3L. It's $17. You might need an adapter too depending on your manifold.

-Chris

Re: Row Row Row My Boat (4.3L Mercruiser, Bad Alternator?)
 

I have to agree: $900 for a stock (I assume) 4-bbl. Rochester or Webber carburetor does seem kind of steep, even installed. Replacing a carburetor is trivial, labour-wise. Back in the day I thought nothing of regularly tearing 'em off, rebuilding 'em and putting 'em back on.

Jim

Re: Row Row Row My Boat (4.3L Mercruiser, Bad Alternator?)
 

Apparently, in this case, it's about a $600 part (I verified this at several parts places online), and a total of about three hours of work -- 1 hour for initial testing and diagnostics, 2 hours for replacement.

Not saying I agree with this, but I guess I understand it. :shakehead:

Re: Row Row Row My Boat (4.3L Mercruiser, Bad Alternator?)
 

You gotta pay to play...

Sorry to hear the not-so-good news. Hopefully, it'll be all fixed soon.

I would wager as you as soon as you drop the hammer for the first time out, the thoughts about the incurred costs and headaches will all disappear.

People always give me that old "Two best days in a boat owners life... " line. I tell them it's nonsense. I can never get that ear to ear grin off my mug every time I punch it to get up on plane... :yes_grin:

Re: Row Row Row My Boat (4.3L Mercruiser, Bad Alternator?)
 

Given the cost, I ask myself this question:

"It's $900. Your boat could be mechanically flawless. Would you rather have two hookers and a bottle of scotch?"

No. Probably not.