www.iFourWinns.com

Yea there appears to be some corrosion, I'm gonna replace these for sure.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B9y1jX ... cslist_api

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B9y1jX ... cslist_api

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B9y1jX ... cslist_api

Those plugs don't look bad enough to have been the problem, but they are a symptom. All that black means incomplete combustion. Either too much fuel, or incomplete ignition.

The cap and rotor do look very bad and need to be replaced.

_________________

"Knot Easy" 2000 Horizon 240 Volvo 5.7GS /SX
tow: 2017 Honda PILOT EXL-AWD
prev. boats:
'87 Chaparral 198CXL 4.3 OMC Cobra
'69 Jetstar 16ft Ski Boat, 115hp Yamaha
'68 Aluminum Jon Boat, 3hp Sears
'64 Water Wings

I've not much to add except perhaps some sympathy, i have had very similar symptoms with my 4.3Gi (TBI Injected) engine this year - wont achieve WOT etc.
Mine gets up to around 3800 and then no more - doesn't lose rpms as such, but the last bit of throttle movement there is a noticeable change in engine sound as it bogs a little. Very frustrating!
Keeping a close eye on your thread, i hope you get it sorted soon, good luck...

Last night I replaced the distributor cap and rotor button and brushed off the spark plugs. The idle is running much more smoothly now. I gave it varying amounts of throttle for about 15 minutes and checked the plugs again - they weren't fouled this time. Also there wasn't any black smoke as there was before (don't think I mentioned that). Hoping to get out on the water for a test ride after work, will let you know how it goes!

One other thing - the distributor shaft was pretty rusty so I cleaned it with a wire brush. Hopefully this doesn't need to be replaced, looks a little more involved.

James

A little bit of BoeShield T-9 (or similar rust preventative) on the distributor shaft should prevent further rust for a few years.

_________________

"Knot Easy" 2000 Horizon 240 Volvo 5.7GS /SX
tow: 2017 Honda PILOT EXL-AWD
prev. boats:
'87 Chaparral 198CXL 4.3 OMC Cobra
'69 Jetstar 16ft Ski Boat, 115hp Yamaha
'68 Aluminum Jon Boat, 3hp Sears
'64 Water Wings

Ray you were right about that stupid remanufactured carb. I gave the old one a thorough cleaning and put it back on, dialed in the idle mixture screws and idle control. It's running beautifully now, zips up to 5000 RPM with no hesitation whatsoever. I haven't taken apart the reman'd one yet but I suspect the main jets on it may be too rich. Can't believe how much time I wasted checking other things. For anyone else who ever orders a remanufactured carburetor due to business/laziness/not knowing much about carbs, do not assume it is jetted and tuned correctly!!!

Glad you solved it and thanks for the update!

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NEW - 2000 Cobalt 246 w/454 Magnum 385HP | SOLD - 2000 FW Horizon 180 LS w/5.0Gi 250HP Volvo Penta

Glad you got it running good. On my previous boat I had the opposite...a remanufactured carb that ran too lean on the high speed jets. And this was from a company that claims to bench check each carburetor for proper fuel/air mixture

My FW has a Holley 2bbl carb that runs great and is not too hard to rebuild. If I ever need to change it, I will buy a New Holley 4bbl...no more mail-order remanufactured carbs for me!

Ray

_________________

"Knot Easy" 2000 Horizon 240 Volvo 5.7GS /SX
tow: 2017 Honda PILOT EXL-AWD
prev. boats:
'87 Chaparral 198CXL 4.3 OMC Cobra
'69 Jetstar 16ft Ski Boat, 115hp Yamaha
'68 Aluminum Jon Boat, 3hp Sears
'64 Water Wings

The reman was rich indeed. Stock for my 4.3GL PEFS main jets is Holley size 70, the new one's were size 75. Just in case this helps anyone solve a similar problem.