Gang, you are always helpful so I thought I'd run this by you first:
Boat: 205 Sundowner (1996), 5.1L Fuel Injected Ford engine, Volvo Penta Drive.
Was running great while touring the San Juan Islands when, after a prolonged ride at about 3500rpms I powered down to dock at the marina and the engine sounded (and felt) *rough*.
Next day it was difficult to start. Normally a fuel injected engine fires at first contact. No, it took 15 seconds of turning over before it caught, and it ran rough. You could see the engine shaking on the motor mounts, enough for me to notice the difference (it usually is stock still, smooth)
With a full load (7 persons) I could barely get out of the hole when powering up. The RPM at WOT (wide open throttle) was 2500, and climbed as the boat s-l-o-w-l-y planed to speed of 35mpg at about 3500rpm, still feeling rough - as if the prop was deep in the water - a bit of a vibration.
Here's another clue: While cruising at this speed there were three instances during the 16-mile trip where we hit a bump (small wake) and the boat engine them seemed to pitch higher (run smooth, like the engine I know), it noticeably jumped in speed for about 10 seconds, then we hit another wake (bump) and it slowed to the rough sound, slightly slower speed again. This happened 3 times within 3 minutes, then never happened again.
Later, I could not get out of the hole at start up unless people stood forward towards the cuddy. So I clearly know the engine is not running at top performance.
I did smell some gasoline, but not around the engine oddly enough. I could not see any fuel leakage around the engine, however I did notice a film on the water at the stern. Could be my imagination, as this marina is pretty dingy to begin with. There was nothing obvious.
Your best guess: Computer/firing problem? Fuel injection problem? Fuel filter? (I will look there first...just didn't have to tools on hand) Something more sinister?
I just had the engine rebuilt about 50 hours ago, so i can't imagine it's another blown valve. I *did* hear clicking while trying the WOT out of the hole, but it was nothing I have not heard before when putting a load on the engine/prop.
Thanks,
Mark
_________________ Four Winns 1996 Sundowner 205 5.0fi/SX engine (Volvo Penta)
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