Question for you Marine mechanics

tipafew

tipafew

Location
Grand Rapids, MI
My "real" boat has a problem.
I have a '98 Checkmate 253 Convincor with a std. carbed 454.
This spring I noticed a couple times that it would miss. By the end of the year it started to do it every 5 to 10 minutes.

It only occurs while idling down channels at around 1000 rpm. At speeds it runs perfect.
I actually wouldn't descirbe it as a miss either. It totally cuts out as if you just flicked the key off for a good second or two and then turned it back on. Then it runs perfect again for another 5 to 10 minutes.

Would a coil do this? It's been 4 or 5 years since I did a full tune up, but since it is cutting out so cleanly I wasn't thinking this was my problem.

Any suggestions?

Chad
 
MADMAT

MADMAT

Location
Ohio
Sounds like that out drive shift switch thingy acting up? It stalls the motor for a split second for shifting. I had to replace mine before I sold it.
 
OCD Solutions

OCD Solutions

Original, Clean and Dependable Solutions
Location
Rentz, GA
Good call Mat, those switches can be a bugger. Sometimes it's a bad switch, sometimes it's the linkage vibrated out of adjustment.
 
MADMAT

MADMAT

Location
Ohio
I don't know where yours is but it can be tested with a built in test switch if I remember right.
 
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MADMAT

MADMAT

Location
Ohio
It was called the shift interrupter controller if I remember right. And yea the linkage can move and throw it off....but intermittent sounds more like the switch.
 
OCD Solutions

OCD Solutions

Original, Clean and Dependable Solutions
Location
Rentz, GA
The switch is located on the shift linkage bracket on the right hand side of a mercruiser, not 100% on location of yours. If you open your hatch and get someone to shift from fwd to rev you should spot it pretty quick. Not quite sure how throttle position would play into this though but it makes a good starting point.

What make and model of engine are we playing with here? I'd look for a service manual while your at it.

Another thing to check would be your overtemp switch. The rubber impeller for your leg cooling is very easily damaged and may not be pumping enough water at an idle and letting you build temp but then when you pick up speed, it manages to push enough water. I just sent my pullers to my father cause he seems to go through an impellor every season, (Salt Water). Put a meter or a test light across the temp switch and see if it cuts out as well.
 
tipafew

tipafew

Location
Grand Rapids, MI
I put a new impellar in it last year. I run all fresh water and don't drag it through a lot of sand. The temp also read pretty steady on the gauge.

That shift interruptor controller deal sounds like a strong possibility. It's worth checking. I had a new shift cable put in it a few years ago. I had to adjust the linkage a little because it wasn't hitting neutral right.
 
MADMAT

MADMAT

Location
Ohio
Yea man that is hairy back there IMO. You mess that stuff up and drive shafts strip. And I thought my stand up addiction was expensive.......ahhhggg.
 
Fro Diesel

Fro Diesel

creative control
Location
Kzoo
X2 RAGS said:
thunderbolt ignition?

pick-up coils on these ignitions act funny sometimes.
Click to expand...

i was thinking coil from the get go. At least you have a plan of attack. YOu should be able to test voltage or something to caliber that linkage or see if it is bad.
 
R

restosud

i stongly suggest you attend the jet ski mechanic class sands is offering for a paltry amount of $$$.:mischievous:
this will give you all the answers you're looking for!
 
tipafew

tipafew

Location
Grand Rapids, MI
infamy said:
theres some real good boat forums out there. you might be able to find someone who had the same problem on the same boat as yours that could tell you how to fix it. when my boat has problems i try there 1st before calling my mechanic.
Click to expand...

I posted on the Checkmate forum, but nobody had replied yet. I knew the guys on the X would have some ideas!
 
tipafew

tipafew

Location
Grand Rapids, MI
Just talked to a Checkmate dealer I know and they said I don't have a shift interrupter. They said to start with the pick up under the cap/rotor. They also suggested testing ign. switch and kill switch.
They said they almost never see bad coils on those.
 
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