Hey guys,

Took the boat out this weekend and everyday she start up after a few cranks, runs great getting out to spots, but every time I go to come in for the day she starts sputtering. I put her full throttle and she just jumps up and down. She seems to run fine under 20 mph, but running 40 (top speed) she sputters and ends up cutting off. She'll start right back up and go but then she'll slowly cut off again if I try full throttle.

Any ideas what's going on? Sorry if my description is vague, it's sort of hard for me to describe as I'm new to boating. I also do not know my way around an outboard engine yet at all. I was thinking maybe the fuel line, filter or pump is bad but I don't know where the filter and pump are to check. My motor is a mercury 90hp ELPTO.

Thanks for any help.

sounds like a main jet is clogged or dirty. Clean the carbs and see if your problem goes away

What type of engine?

How old is it?

Do you use E-10 fuel treatment?

 

It does sound like a dirty carb; but it could be a clogged fuel filter restricting fuel flow when demand is high like while running WOT..

 

If the fuel line is old (made before the E-10 lines came out) the inside of the fuel hose could be disintegrating and that could clog your fuel filter.

 

Also, if you use E-10 fuel and don't refill your tank after each days use, the fuel could absorb water from the air as the tank breaths; this water will cause fuel separation that can mess thing up in the engine.

 

All this is just guess work without more info on your rig.

 

Bottom line, give your fuel system a close inspection.

Thanks for the replies. The motor is a 2001 Mercury 90hp ELPTO. I put Startron in at every fill up and only use non-ethanol fuel. I'll check the fuel lines and system because I'm sure they are pretty old. I'll also clean the carbs and see if it helps.

Thanks for the replies. The motor is a 2001 Mercury 90hp ELPTO. I put Startron in at every fill up and only use non-ethanol fuel. I'll check the fuel lines and system because I'm sure they are pretty old. I'll also clean the carbs and see if it helps.

If you pull the carbs check the float bowl (if it has one), if you see any slug that would indicate the jets can be dirty.  At this point I would replace the fuel filter while your in the engine.

 

Can you inspect the fuel tank to see if you have any slug in the bottom?

 

Search the Forums here for "This is what happens when you don't change your fuel lines" it may be helpful.