Power loss...

[stumpthumper]

I run an 150 merc black max xr2. It was rebuilt 5 years ago and it has never given me any trouble what so ever, it's been awesome. Two weeks ago, I pulled out of gaults and tried to blast off and that's when I noticed that something was wrong. It had no power getting out of the hole and being on a sixteen foot boat, the hole shot is usually good. Even once it did, it was like I was pulling an anchor. It never got above 50mph (usually it's at 65+), and the rpm's wouldn't get above 5100 (normally I run it close to 6000). I've changed the plugs, checked my carbs and throttle operation, (at least to the best of my limited knowledge), ran a carb cleaner/fuel stabilizer through my last tank of gas, but it still isn't running like it normally does. The stuff I did seemed to help a little, but it still isn't running like it normally does. Could it possibly be the power pack? Any suggestions would greatly appreciated cause I'm lost! Thanx

[5 BASS LIMIT]

It could be a power pack or something in the electrical system. I would have to see it to tell you exactly what it is. You do not wan't to just throw parts at it and try to fix it you need to find the problem and what caused it or it might cost you a small fortune.

[bassinmike]

What about water in your gas tank?? How old is the boat? Is it stored outside or inside?

[stumpthumper]

Definitely agree about not throwing parts at it. I've experienced the down side to doing that before.... I wasn't planning on doing anything further until I had a better idea of what I was looking for. My schedule is pretty tight this week so I'm not sure yet if I can bring it in to be looked at. I'll know my schedule better a little later in the week though so maybe. If I'm able to find some time, is there good/bad time for you to check it out? Also, is there anything I can check on my own to do some troubleshooting? Also forgot to mention that earlier in the week, the motor started missing a little bit at idle. It wasn't doing this when the problem originally started. Not sure if this is related to anything else or not. Bassin, it's an older boat that is stored under a car port. I considered water in the tank but I would think that this would have caused a gradual loss of power. Right? These problems happened over night so kind of x'ed that out. I'm not sure though. I've never experienced water in my tank so I really don't know what signs to look for there. You might be on to something... Any good ways to check this?

[bassinmike]

I used to work for a company that repaired everything at a gas station. They make a water finding paste that we used to check for water in the 10,000 gallon underground tanks. We would put the paste (comes in yellow and turns pink when water touches it) on a wooden stick and dip it in to the bottom of the tank.

As crazy as it may sound, you could probably go to any gas station and ask them if you could use some of this paste and just take a little from them to use on your boat.

[harleywizard]

Bassin mike it was called "Color Cut"

[bassmeister]

Any time I'm dealing with a loss of power I always go get the compression gauge. I don't know how many times I thought something was electrical or fuel related to find a low cylinder. If the choke dosen't help, then I would look electrical IF the compression is ok. JMHO