[grommett]

I put my boat in the water last week, for the first time since having it winterised by my local mercruiser engineers. The engine started OK, I let it idle for a few minutes and then put it in gear and the engine cut out. I had a really hard time trying to start it again but eventually I managed to get it going by using full throttle. This time it didnt cut out so off we went. The engine stopped another 3 times, twice when throttling back, and once having gradually lost speed after a full throttle run. I only got about 30mph top speed.

It went back to the engineers who suspected water in the fuel. They tell me that when they disconnected the fuel filter, no water came out but there was debris/rust. They told me there could be water in the carb or even debris blocking the jets and have suggested stripping down the carb and fitting a refurb kit, total cost another £450 inc parts and labour plus VAT. I got them to fit a new set of spark plugs and I am going to try it again this week, to see if there is any improvement before I decide on getting the carb refurbed.

I only got my boat towards the end of year so I dont have a lot of experience, is this sort of problem typical? I dont really want to spend £450 + VAT on the carb, I am reasonably practical and I wonder if this is a job that can be attempted by an amateur? Any advice would be greatfully received.

Thanks

1996 Shabah Z202 350 Magnum.

[anthonybradley]

That seems expensive for a carb rebuild. Of course it could need it, but depending on what ebgine you have there should be at least 1 if not two fuel filters before the carb, so whilst crap ,may come out of the fuel filter, well thats what its there for, to stop it going into the carb.

Ants

[aquaknot]

Did it run fine at the end of last season?? Before playing with the card I would replace the fuel or at least add fuel conditioner and carb cleaner and let it clean itself out.

[grommett]

Hi Tod

The engine ran fine at the end of last season, it has only done 150 hours. I was able to get 45+ mph in choppy water (I never got round to using full throttle). So whatever has gone wrong happened since winterising. A fuel conditioner sounds like a good idea, is there one you would reccomend?

Thanks, Ian

[grommett]

I had the boat out today (a bit rough in Poole Harbour!). Engine was perfect. A new fuel filter and spark plugs did the job. I also put a bottle of fuel system cleaner in the tank for good measure. Glad I didnt spend the £450 +VAT.

[300sflyer]

Excellent! Glad to hear you found the problem without spending a ton of money!