Ok, so I'm new to the boat world and getting a pretty good initiation. Recently bought a 97 Challenger 787... started and ran well when I went to test it (met him at his storage unit where we de-winterized it.) The next day, was difficult to start, but would, then would run well, then bog down and not plane out- running about 15 mph and 5000rpm. The 3rd, and last day it was able to see any water time, it was VERY difficult to start, would die in idle, run well briefly, then bog down and not plane out again. After that experience, installed new fuel filters, plugs (which were new to begin with, as well as a new battery), rebuilt the carbs- set to shop manual recommendations and added a fuel treatment (SeaFoam). So, after those 'improvements', while on the trailer, with hose attached, it would start right away as long as starting fluid was used, and idle well- tuned the idle to 3000rpm per recommendations. As soon as any throttle was applied, it would bog down and die if throttle was maintained. That was as of yesterday. So, this evening I put it on the lake to see how it would do and get an idea of how to proceed, and it wouldn't start. Cranks well, and almost started a couple of times (with starter fluid), but wouldn't kick in. Thought I was heading in the right direction, but apparently not.
I have a fuel selector valve on order, and have an idea of a few other things to look at overall (RAVE valve, inspect the fuel baffle/sending unit, wear ring and neoprene seal), but I'm just not really sure where to go from here. I'm not much of an engine guy/mechanic, but I'm slowly learning. Any direction here would be GREATLY appreciated!
I have a fuel selector valve on order, and have an idea of a few other things to look at overall (RAVE valve, inspect the fuel baffle/sending unit, wear ring and neoprene seal), but I'm just not really sure where to go from here. I'm not much of an engine guy/mechanic, but I'm slowly learning. Any direction here would be GREATLY appreciated!
