www.iFourWinns.com

Took our 2011 H180 out today and ran it for about an hour which means the Volvo Penta 4.3l motor officially passed the 20 hour mark and will be brought into the dealership for the required service shortly. When we finished our ride, I trailered it out of the water and as usual hooked up the ear muffs to flush the engine. It ran for about three minutes before it slowly sputtered out. Acted as if it was running out of gas, then died. I fed it some gas by moving the throttle forward once or twice then attempted to start it with the throttle about halfway. It started, but ran a little rough. My wife, who was standing a safe distance behind the boat at the time, said a cloud of smoke billowed out of the exhaust but i didnt see it. I revved the engine, then let it run at about a quarter throttle, 2200 rpm or so, and it smoothed out and ran ok. After a minute i eased the throttle back to neutral position where it ran for another minute before it died out again, again sounding as if it had run out of gas. Fuel gauge reads almost full and i know its full, fueled it recently with non-ethanol 87 octane. I tried to start it several times after that but no go. By that time it had run long enough to flush the engine, and its due to go to the shop for the 20 hour service anyway so i gave up, packed it up and stowed it away until i can drive it the shop in the next couple weeks sometime.
Im not too worried because of course its still under warranty but am curious what the problem might be. This is the first problem ive had with the engine, its otherwise been great so far. I live in north Florida and did not winterize it as I take it out for a spin every couple weeks or so. It sat for about 6 weeks at one point but ive had it out three times since then without problem.
Anyone have a guess what the problem might be? Thx

_________________
2010 H180
VP 4.3 190

Sorry to hear that!!!

I would first replace the fuel filter, its is too easy not to do. About once ever other week, I like to put into the fuel "stabilizer" the one that breaks down water. In some places it is called "WaterZorb".

The above won't hurt, but it may help!!!

dont know how cold your getting there but in south tx its in the mid 20 range. Doesnt matter if you use it everytwo weeks or not if it freezes water in that engine the block can crack. major money so be mindful of that. for all i know you have stored in climate control though. your issue could be many things including fuel mixture setting.

changing fuel filter every other week is insane IMO,

_________________
http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o71 ... wqm355.jpg


08' H210SS
VP 5.7Gi

I think he is saying that he puts stabilizer in every other week not changes the filter.

Yes, not the filter!!!! If you think your engine is being staved for fuel, than way not try it.
I just pour in about 4 to 6oz when I do. Remember, that water could/is be forming all year long.

AND that a VERY good point about the water in the engine!!!!! But I would think you already thought of that.

Please let us know what you find.
thanks

I wouldn't be so carefree about adding stabilizer. It's hardly necessary. While it may not harm anything, why waste the money when it's just plain not needed?

If you're having that much of a problem with water in the fuel then you have a problem with where you're buying it. Either that or something crazy is happening to let that much water get into the tanks. Like a tank vent that faces up or into the on-coming water, or a deck fill that's letting rain collect into it. Under normal and proper maintenance and operation there next to no reason for water to be an issue in the fuel.

I'd lean toward the fuel filters being the problem or the fuel pump. It's entirely possible for either one to have failed and need replacement. I'd start with the filter. And if it's poorly located I'd consider having it moved. Consider replacing it with one that has a separate water filter drain (if water's such an issue).

There's any number of things that could cause an engine to run poorly or stall. Given that it's a new boat the dealer should be able to sort it out for you.

_________________
-Bill Kearney, 2005 348 Vista