Motor acting up-need thoughts/opinions-Brian Evans-your thoughts???

[Robalo]

I was heading Offshore saturday am. Had gassed boat, loaded tackle/coolers and had bait. Was heading out canal and throttled up to plane and port motor (2003 115 Merc-carbed) started missing-rpm would fall about 3000-5000 rpms-in and out every 20 seconds or so. Would be at 4300 rpm then fall to 3800 rpm then back to 4300 then within seconds back to 3800. At idle in neutral would go to max rpms (6000), but if in forward would not, so once load was on engine, it acted up.

In the evening, I pulled the plugs-not fouled-and sanded them and put em back in and tried another run in bay and same thing-rpm drop and fluctuates same as in morning. Boat ran fine on last trip a few weeks ago.

I did not test coils by pulling a spark plug wire off while at idle (didn't have plastic pliers or coated gloves) and seeing if idle changes/motor dies and need to do that.

I'm thinking power pack maybe? If so, what does a power pack generally cost?

Your thoughts?

[Hydra Man]

Oh Man. Had the same thing when I ran a bigger boat with twin Merc 200's. I mean exactly the same thing. After several visits from a mobile mechanic, checking fuel, checking spark......finally took it into a Merc certified shop. Stator coil was out. (that's the big 'altenator' under the flywheel. I remember something like $700 plus to get her back, but that was 10 years ago. Good luck with that. PS> I got a late start on Saturday and bounced around for tarpon for a couple hours. No luck.

[Robalo]

Thanks HydraMan-Stator may be issue-hope just power pack-doubt it's the coil, but may be.

I wonder how to test for stator and power pack? Brian, how do you test it to check power pack and stator and what do you think (offhand of course)?

[evansmarine]

Sounds to me like you may have a tore diaphragm on your fuel pump. Also may be switch box or coil. Generaly on coil it will run a consistent RPM unless it is stator related as said by hydra man. Let 's break down from cheapest to most expensive parts. Fuel Pump Assembly is $59.00 Part Number 66530A 2. + 1 hour Labor @ $95.00. Coil Pack (NOT LIKELY) is $125.47 Part # 4895A 2 + 1 hour Labor @ $95.00. Stator / Alternator is $325.50 Part # 4793 + 2 Hours Labor @ $95.00. Switch Box / ECU is $608.25 Part # 2986A21 + 2 Hours Labor @ $95.00.
If you bring it in I will diagnose the problem for you for $150.00, and if you have us perform the work I will take the diagnostic charge off, as well you get 10% off as a West End Angler Member.

[evansmarine]

That is part of our Diagnostics is checking the stator, switch box, coils, rectifier, and fuel delivery. It takes special DVA Adapter for Multi-Meter and Extra hand while your removing wires and they turn the motor over to get the readings.

[Robalo]

Bryan: My trailer is a POS-doubt it would make it to Bacliff without losing a spring, axle or bracket! Yep, I need to fix it, but been considering buiying a used trailer.

Do you come to Sea Isle or Jamaica Beach and could this be done at the house? No issue trailering to/from launch to house, but hauling 25 miles may be an issue.

[evansmarine]

Maybe in a month or so when season starts settling down, I have a full house with about 18 boat's here now and has been this way for a few months now. Usually I do dock side in the off season, but If I can find a extra second to breath maybe I can arrange something. It probably won't be anytime in the near future to be honest. My buddy that owns Sea Tow (Capt. Billy) has a few trailers, he would probably let me use 1 if I needed to get your boat here.

[fuzzy]

Robalo don't be distracting him.He'll be working on my boat in the next few days.

[corndog]

Sorry about your boat Fuzzy. Evans Marine will get you up and running

[evansmarine]

Robalo don't be distracting him.He'll be working on my boat in the next few days.

Don't Worry Fuzzy, we are working on yours as we speak.