Everything was fine when I winterized…

[Quik Fix]

Check the plug wires.

[crhodes]

If you can monitor fuel pressure with a gauge, and it has good fuel pressure when running rough, it likely is not the fuel cell. Gauges are cheaper than a new fuel cell.

[Quickstep192]

If you can monitor fuel pressure with a gauge, and it has good fuel pressure when running rough, it likely is not the fuel cell. Gauges are cheaper than a new fuel cell.

What type of gauge is needed and how would I insert it into the fuel system?

[Quik Fix]

I get mine from Summit Racing.

[Ship]

Hose connection between fuel line and the fuel cell. Four hose clamps and extra hose. Fuel pressure gauge at summit or just about any auto supply house. If I remember correctly, about 5 psi or a little more or less. 1/2 a pound.

[Fixerupper]

I had a problem like that once and chased it for a month then started throwing parts at it, ran like a champ after I replaced the $20 coil.... after I needlessly replaced $300 in injectors. Should have done the coil first.

I would also be suspect of the distributor cap or crusty rotor. Try a spark gap tester and see if you get the "right" color.

Good luck!
Dan

[Deputyrpa]

Either your plug wires are not corrected to the correct plugs, or your engine has an air intake leak and is leaned out. The backfire you had is the part that's makes me think of those two issues.The third would be engine timing, but I can't imagine how that chain jump could occur from winter storage.

[Quickstep192]

Here’s the latest - for now…

I had a mechanic out. He took the FCC apart to check the gas and filter and noticed a loose connector. He replaced the connector and all seemed well,,, until it wasn’t.

I no longer have the no start problem, in fact it starts right up. I took a long test drive and the boat ran great. I ran at high rpm’s and low rpm’s and through hard turns to port and starboard. Not even a hint of a problem.

When I brought it home however I’m running along fine, then suddenly RPMs just plummeted. It never stopped running, but it acted as if I suddenly pulled the throttle back hard. I thought I might be paddling home. I did then lower the throttle, let it idle a bit and then took off again.

Seemed to run fine, but after a short time, RPMs dropped suddenly again.

I wanted to get home, so I only got to try one more time, but the last time, it bogged down while I was throttling up. It bogged down right around 3500.

I’d welcome any ideas.

To recap:

New plug wires connected properly
Fouled plugs were replaced with new plugs
Gas is new, ethanol free and show no signs of water
Fuel filters were replaced

[Ship]

My two thoughts fuel starvation or coil heating up when firing quickly.

[crhodes]

Good thoughts. 3500 rpm, How hard do you run her?

[Quickstep192]

Before this, I was a go slow kind of guy, but since this, I’ve been running the snot out of it. Granted they’ve only been test drives, but I’ve been running 3800-4500 (WOT), except when it craps out.

What are you thinking?

[Ship]

The coil, if defective, will over heat at high rpms then cool when you slow down. Heat equals resistance. Or the fuel supply will not keep up with the fuel demand at high rpms but catch up when you idle down.

[Quickstep192]

The coil, if defective, will over heat at high rpms then cool when you slow down. Heat equals resistance. Or the fuel supply will not keep up with the fuel demand at high rpms but catch up when you idle down.

Thanks for that guidance. The coil is something that’s easily replaced and I’m guessing not that pricey.

If it’s the fuel supply, are you thinking the low pressure pump or the high pressure pump?

I was told that the newer generation FCC incorporates both the high and low pressure pump. As I understand it, it’s big bucks, but if it got me back on the water, I’d do it.

[Ship]

My knowledge ends at carbs and not that great beyond basics at that.

[Quik Fix]

You can just take your fuel hose and put it in a container while cranking engine. See how much fuel you pump in 10 seconds.

[Ship]

Jerry, that will tell him if his primary pump is working but with the injection pump, it won't. The pump in the fuel cell. The primary pump should be 5 psi but I have no clue about even testing the fuel cell and beyond.