Engine cutting out under load

[LakeErieFishing]

I'll add the spark plug wires are at least 20 years old. Not sure if they're arcing or of the distributor to coil line might be faulty. I do know when wires heat up they can create issues if they're not intact end to end.

[Blue Thunder]

Originally Posted by LakeErieFishing

I'll add the spark plug wires are at least 20 years old. Not sure if they're arcing or of the distributor to coil line might be faulty. I do know when wires heat up they can create issues if they're not intact end to end.

I'm not the type of person that just throws parts at something until I solve the problem, but in this case, a 20 year old set of plug wires would seem like a good place to spend a few bucks....

[HellRaZoR004]

Try fixing the engine overtemp issue first and see if this still persists.

[LakeErieFishing]

Originally Posted by HellRaZoR004

Try fixing the engine overtemp issue first and see if this still persists.

I'll work on the overtemp issue. It's possible the water circulating pump is bad. It doesn't leak, but that doesn't mean it's not working right. I am going to remove the thermostat to see if that helps the issue. That's not a final fix, but it might tell me something.

[Descant]

Despite the fact that I've been leaning towards fuel, BT's mention of the ignition module reminded me that I had a similar symptom/problem once with a 5 liter Mustang (302 cid) so it was plausible. New module was a quick fix.
I don't know much about this, but I recall stories of fuel system problems from one end of the boat to the other when Ethanol was introduced. Sounds like you've replaced almost everything but that rubber fuel line. Is this a possibility?
Despite OP's frustrations, this has been an interesting thread. Thanks for letting us all participate and for giving good feedback.

[HellRaZoR004]

Are you sure the timing is correct? I also just read somewhere that if this is off it could cause overheat conditions...something else that you are seeing.

http://forums.iboats.com/forum/engin...iser-888/page2

[SAB1]

Yikes. It could many things as discussed above but the guy who recommended new plug wires is spot on. That's a cheap thing to do that takes minutes. I'd try that before I did anything else. Twenty year old wires aren't doing u any favors.

[LakeErieFishing]

Originally Posted by HellRaZoR004

Are you sure the timing is correct? I also just read somewhere that if this is off it could cause overheat conditions...something else that you are seeing.

http://forums.iboats.com/forum/engin...iser-888/page2

No, I don't know if the timing is correct. I found timing marks and will check the timing.

[Descant]

There are several youtube videos on timing. You need a timing light.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wwp9rtTPPJc

[LakeErieFishing]

Originally Posted by Descant

There are several youtube videos on timing. You need a timing light.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wwp9rtTPPJc

I have access to a timing light. However, I don't think the timing "teeth" shown in the video are on the motor.

[Frdxplorer]

We just had a very similar problem. Turned out that it was a battery issue. Although it was starting fine, both batteries were extremely low. Replaced them, and now totally fine.

[LakeErieFishing]

If a fuel system problem, what type of fuel line do I need that runs from the fuel tank pickup to the spin-on fuel filter? Is a rubber or vinyl hose okay? The fuel lines from the fuel filter to carb are all stainless.

Thanks

[ITD]

Originally Posted by LakeErieFishing

If a fuel system problem, what type of fuel line do I need that runs from the fuel tank pickup to the spin-on fuel filter? Is a rubber or vinyl hose okay? The fuel lines from the fuel filter to carb are all stainless.

Thanks

Best bet is to go to a marina or autoparts store and by fuel line, bring a piece of what you want to replace to get the right size.

[LakeErieFishing]

Originally Posted by ITD

Best bet is to go to a marina or autoparts store and by fuel line, bring a piece of what you want to replace to get the right size.

3/8" marine grade fuel line. I'm getting some of that too. I'll replace the current line.

[LakeErieFishing]

Originally Posted by LakeErieFishing

I have access to a timing light. However, I don't think the timing "teeth" shown in the video are on the motor.

Okay, I found the timing marks. I bought new plug wires. I'll time the engine at 600 to 700 rpm and see how it goes.