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1985 351 M-C: new engine, same old problem!

L

lowella

New member
I have just put a brand new engine in my '85 Mastercraft (pleasurecraft 351) and am having similar problems to what i had prior to the engine replacement! Argggh...the carb was even rebuilt. What else is there? It seems like the drive shaft may have trouble turning. The symptom is that it starts fine, then when i get it out in the water it sometimes stalls, (or if I turn it off) then won't restart. If I let it sit for an hour it then sometimes starts. I'm tired of getting stranded. Time for a new boat? :) I'd really like to go all the way with this first since the hardest part has been done. If anyone has any thoughts or experience i'm all ears! I'm trying a new battery next but the one in it is less than 2 years and has been properly cared for.
 
Check for the basics first. Proper fuel flow...be sure the tank valve is open, there is good flow from pickup to carb. Check all grounds and connections to be tight and free of corrosion. Check alternator output and battery. Have battery load tested.

Check to see that it is not an ignition issue by squirting a short blast of starting fluid in the carb. Engine should attempt to start and run heartily for a brief moment if ignition system is good. However if it starts and runs normally without starting fluid you should be able to eliminate the ignition system and concentrate on the fuel delivery.

Carb is likely culprit. Rebuilt ones are never as good as new. Sometimes you just have a dud. Suggest a known good carb (new) and another sea trial. Don't leave the dock, just run thru gears tied up.
 
well this time it was the fuel pump i believe, no fuel was coming out into the carbeurator...go figure. So now I'll have replaced everything but the throttle cable.... thanks again for the help!
 
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