engine slows, bogs and stalls...

Hi All,

I'm a "new" owner of a 72 southwind. I've had several boats, but this is my first "true" inboard. I've spent a few weeks reading most of the post, but i am stumped on this one. These days I'm just mecianical enough to be dangerous :)

I bought it over the winter. had it cranked in a fake lake, but I just got it in the water. it idles beautifully. i gave it the gas, it got to about 3000 (ish) rpm's then slowly started to bog, lose rpms and basically slow to an idle (with the juice in full forward) then stall. I let it sit, then managed to crank it and nurse it back to the ramp. wife was NOT happy as i had also bought the boat with out her permission :(

due to time, travel and no tune up tools (timing light etc...) I took it to a local marina. they re built carb, new points, plugs, cap, condenser etc...

it runs smoother, better and longer, but still has the same problem.

can't rev up enough to recreate on fake lake, but i'm tired of 10 minute excursions :(

almost certain it is a fuel related issue. loosened gas cap, but no help...

Best recommendations to track down? It is a PCM ford with holly 4170 (I think)

BTW, I like the local marina. think they will resolve it eventually, called him, he indicated they would give it a "on water" test and track it down. Said it sounded like a fuel delivery problem and that the fuel systems on this age boat wasn't the most realiable. But I thought I would do my part first...

regards, johnny

PS "She, who must be obeyed" is getting a lot of mileage out of this, and every mistake that I have ever made is back on the table. Dear God, I'm in a tight... I need some help!

Fist step name the boat

Kwitchyabitchin

Secondly, Replace the fuel line, filters, disassemble and clean out the pickup tube in the tank.

but I suspect you won't be redeeemed even when it runs good.

Getting to 3000 then it dies, sounds like the timing could be set too high and it is over advancing.

I would think it's highly unlikely that the timing is that far off considering that they just installed new points and condinser and re-built the carb, I would think that a desent mechanic wouldn't over look something like that after replacing what they did. Beside if it was the mechanical advance advancing to much then it would start right back up or run fine once the rpm decreased.

Probably not the ballast resitor. When it goes, your done until you bypass it.

A 72 YM might not have a water seperator/filter, but instead just an inline filter somewhere.

I agree, it is a fuel delivery problem. If it has an inline filter, make sure the hose clamps are the correct size for the fuel line and tight. Air leaks at the filter will cause such symptoms. Remove the tank tube and clean all the screens. Check fuel pump delivery.

The reason the problems does not happen on the trailer is that you are not loading the engine and hence need less fuel. The current state of the fuel system can keep up, UNTIL you load the engine and need more fuel.

Clean the entire fuel system, starting at the tank, make sure you have no air leaks on the suction side or a kinked fuel line.

Hi All,

Thanks for the advice. Mrs 72south has eased a bit, but I'm still on a short leash :)

I decided to pull the tank (drained it this afternoon), then I am going to take it to a radiator (sp?) shop and have it "boiled".. I think that is the correct term. Then I am going to replace the fuel system from it to the engine. Shouldn't be much $ and it will make me feel better. Will let you know after this weekend.

johnny