02 Tige 21V RE - sputtering

[ktunicorn]

I've been experiencing problems with my 2002 Tige 21V RE, Black Scorpion 350 cid. Boat starts fine and will run great for about 5 minutes at which time it starts to sputter/cough until I pull back on the throttle. Boat will idle fine, but when I give it gas again it will start to sputter again within 20-30 seconds. If idle longer and throttle up I can go 2-5 minutes before it starts to act up. If I give it more gas when its sputtering it will eventually backfire. It doesn't matter what RPM's it will still do it. I've replaced the fuel pump, fuel pressure regulator and the fuel filter.

Has anybody else experienced this problem?

[jsz]

Sounds like bad gas but I'm guessing you tried that already. My 02 was stalling and acting like it was vapor locking but a new fuel pump fixed it.

Is your air intake clean? How old are the plugs and wires? It could also be running in limp mode (ex. oil sensor clogged so it thinks it has no pressure and will only idle to "protect" the motor)

Also, what did the fuel regulator cost you? That was my next step if the pump didn't fix it.

[goose69]

Check your fuel lines. If their is a hole (even a small one) it could act the way yours is. The other thing to check is nothing has made a home in your exhaust (mouse, bugs) a partly blocked exhaust can cause this too.

[dogbert]

Check the distributor cap. Mercruisers have a real problem with these. Pull yours off and if you see lots of carbon in the cap, it's time to replace it. For some reason, they don't last very long.

[ktunicorn]

I've drained the gas and put fresh gas in. Replaced the distibutor this weekend. Wires and plugs look good. Not smelling any gas while idling and running until it starts to sputter. Air intake is clean.

If the oil sensor was clogged would it run good for 5 minutes and then start acting up? What about a bad coil or a need to replace the anti siphon?

Fuel regulator was $50

[jsz]

If the oil sensor was clogged would it run good for 5 minutes and then start acting up? What about a bad coil or a need to replace the anti siphon?

Not sure, sorry. I replaced the anti-siphon valve and it still gave the same problem until I replaced the high pressure fuel pump.

[SPBFAN]

Check the distributor cap. Mercruisers have a real problem with these. Pull yours off and if you see lots of carbon in the cap, it's time to replace it. For some reason, they don't last very long.

It is the type of ignition system exposure to moisture. If that is the case replace the wires, Cap, rotor, & maybe plugs if they are showing signs of corrosion around them.