Engine Stall

[lfskizzer]

Hey guys,

I am in need of some help, my 85 ski nautique would stall at idle. Worked great in the morning till we went in t to drop someone off. Then we went out again and did a slow stroll near one of the marina's then the engine stalled. We could start the engine by pulling the neutral pin out and putting the lever in the reverse position and rev it acouple of time then try to bring it back to neutral position and it would stall out. Got it into gear by basically dropping it into the neutral and putting the pin in gear and bring the RPM up above to run. Got it back to the boat launch 5 mph zone and once we were close enough we brought it to idle and it stalled out had to swim it to the launch and take it out of the water. I need info on what you guys think is going on. It was alittle rough running first thing in the morning filled her up at the gas station before launch. I need to know what I am doing wrong.

1985 ski nautique 2001 ford 351 velvet 1:1. All oils were fine, pressure was fine and temp was fine.

[SquamInboards]

RE: Engine Stall

You're probably not doing anything wrong, it may just need a tune-up or carb kit (or rebuild) maybe. What RPM is it idling at, out of gear, and in gear? Should be like 650 in gear...750-800ish out of gear, if not, you can adjust the idle stop screw up... that's an easy place to start... if you feel comfortable taking the cap off the distributor, you can check that for any corrosion inside... There are lots of other things to check, like idle mixture, timing, but it sounds to me like it just needs a little tune-up.

[lfskizzer]

RE: Engine Stall

The funny thing is that the dealer stated they went over the boat before I picked it up and it ran ok/fine on the 5th but this issue happened yesterday the 12th. They said check to see if there is water in the fuel filter and if no water i will see about carb adjustment. Its a great boat for us beginners of being a boat owner. The reason we bought it was the place we go on vacation up in Lake George NY raised their rates to take people skiing to $12 a run and that can get expensive and not able to go out and have the fun we start to enjoy now having the boat. Just as long as this does not get worse and have to put more money into the boat.
Thanks for some info

[AbunDiga909]

RE: Engine Stall

Sounds like the same thing that happened to my uncle's 82 2001. We had to start our boat pretty much every time the exact way you described. It needed and got a tune up. It worked alright after that but not for long--a couple weeks at best. This is probably because Ed Cletch (sp?) works on it. He's a great guy and really good at what he does I'm sure, but our record with him and our boat is not so great. I wouldn't take it to him. If you can, spend the extra few and go to Candlewood East. They'll charge you an extra arm and a leg, but they'll do a better job. And if it still doesnt work, at least you can say you had a trained CC guy work on it.

By the way, I pretty much lived and bled Lillinonah this summer, despite its grossness. Do you trailer or leave your boat on Zoar?

Austin

[Nautiquehunter]

RE: Engine Stall

It sounds like a carb problem but dont rule out the ignition mainly the points. It kinda sounds strange not wanting to put money in the boat since the are high maintenance and are expensive to maintain.

[steve-o]

RE: Engine Stall

After you verify the choke is opening correctly (just pull the arrestor off and make sure it is open once the boat warms up), try adjusting the idle mixture screws before you pay someone to work on it. Screw them in to lightly seat then back them out 1 full turn. Start the boat then back them out 1/8 to 1/2 turn, all evenly until it hits max RPM. Idle mixture is made on the adjustment screws on the sides of the metering blocks. Depending on carb you will have 2 or 4.

On the choke, they aren't complicated, but one that falls off too late can cause the problem you are seeing. The temps have changed recently.

[bobchris]

RE: Engine Stall

first question needs to be what is his mechanical ability level? do you have a timing light, spark plug gapper, tools in general.

First thing that needs to be done is tightening all the carb bolts and intake bolts.

Then you need to replace the plugs, rotor and cap, and add some carb cleaner to the tank, seafoam works good for this and you can pour some through the carb as well to kick start the top end cleaning process too.

Then you need to grab a timing light from someone change the points and condensor or better yet replace them with an electronic conversion kit, set the timing then set the carb correctly and then you won't have to pump the throttle and it'll start at the flick of the switch.

There a few folks I could suggest that are in your neck of the woods that would be more than happy to help you out tuning it up for no more than a couple cold brews.

[Hollywood]

RE: Engine Stall

This thread is 2 years old I think Fil has the problem figured out by now.

[AbunDiga909]

RE: Engine Stall

oh ya jeez. didnt realize that. why was it at the top of the section?

[bobchris]

RE: Engine Stall

nice ..... good point kevin

[Hollywood]

RE: Engine Stall

I don't know but he's since redone the stringers and floor and had the boat back on the water (see the calendar thread).

[wakedude4]

RE: Engine Stall

the first thing that you need to try before getting a bunch of tools out is take the handle part of a screwdriver and lightly tap the front bowl of the carburetor because the float might be stuck. 9 times out of 10 that fixes the problem. If not then you will need to go into the front bowl with carb cleaner and clean it out.

[8122pbrainard]

Re: RE: Engine Stall

the first thing that you need to try before getting a bunch of tools out is take the handle part of a screwdriver and lightly tap the front bowl of the carburetor because the float might be stuck. 9 times out of 10 that fixes the problem. If not then you will need to go into the front bowl with carb cleaner and clean it out.

This thread is 2 years old I think Fil has the problem figured out by now.

Doesn't anyone read others posts and the dates??

[SNobsessed]

Not when we have the answer!

[teamseal]

Pete apparantly their was no closeure!! Yellow_Flash_Colorz: