1982 Ski Nautique engine dies

(trickyboarder08)

Ok, I have an 1982 Ski Nautique and it will run in neutral at about 1000 rpm's, if I lower that, then the boat dies. Also if I put it in drive it will not go slow, I either have to gas it or if it is barely in drive the boat dies. What is the problem?

(woreout) · (woreout) **Join Date: Aug 2006** 05-08-2008, 10:40 AM

Fitser valve definitely.

(trickyboarder08)

funny.

(h20jnky) · (h20jnky) **Join Date: Mar 2003** 05-08-2008, 10:46 AM

maybe adjust your idle after a good carb cleaning. also, check all fuel delivery lines/systems/filters? might need a rebuild kit for a carb that old..

(Message edited by h20jnky on May 08, 2008)

(polarbill) · (polarbill) **Join Date: Jun 2003** 05-08-2008, 10:57 AM

Your timing could be off as well.

Brandon, my 87 did the same thing. If I was going slow it would run real rough and then die. I checked the timing and it was off by quite a bit. Fixed it and that solved the problem. Check your rotor and see if it is firing in the middle of the contact on the end of the rotor. If it looks like it is to scaring to one side or the other it is a good indication that your timing is off.

(wakebrdr38) · (wakebrdr38) **Join Date: Sep 2006** 05-08-2008, 1:12 PM

get a light gun and check your timing, i adjust mine about once a season

(denverd1)

timing is easy to check. borrow a light from Auto zone or whatever (small deposit) and give it a look. I also second the carb rebuild. Easy to do with a Holley gasket or trick kit and some carb cleaner.

here's a pretty good guide for Ford timing:
http://www.carbdford.com/viewtopic.php?t=5543

(denverd1)

does it die in reverse?

(trickyboarder08)

not sure about reverse. But I would bet that it would.

I'll check and let ya'll know after I get off.

(luchog) · (luchog) **Join Date: Jun 2002** 05-08-2008, 3:11 PM

Time to jump to Electronic Ignition

(882001) · (882001) **Join Date: Nov 2003** 05-08-2008, 5:02 PM

full tune up time. new plugs, wires, cap and rotor,and i would do the electronic ignition as well, check timing, run a good carb cleaner thru it and it will run like the day it was built.

(trickyboarder08)

it's got electronic ignition and I changed all the plugs last week. Iill check the timing tomorrow while i'm out on the water.

(bkoz) · (bkoz) **Join Date: Dec 2005** 05-09-2008, 3:34 PM

Check all your vacume lines, could also be a vacume leak.

(mikeski) · (mikeski) **Join Date: Aug 2003** 05-09-2008, 4:20 PM

My guess is a carb issue, maybe a stuck float.

(luchog) · (luchog) **Join Date: Jun 2002** 05-09-2008, 5:17 PM

If it's not the distributor then I vote for the carb too.

(nbeihl) · (nbeihl) **Join Date: Mar 2004** 05-09-2008, 8:32 PM

I have had the same sort of problems with my boat in the past. (87 American Skier) I have become a pseudo expert on the carb because I rebuild it every other year. I would suggest getting to know that carb and you will thank yourself later. Try to rebuild it and if you have any questions, post on this page or email me.