Why now? Only 2K RPM after things started so well.

[grimjack]

Me and my brother have had this boat for about 2 months. When we first got it, it ran great, took it on a few weekend trips everything was great, turned 5900 RPM at about 55 mph. Now, it won't go above 2000 in gear. Tried tilting the engine, changed plugs, charging system, fresh gas, everything. I have not yet checked the plugs for spark, and it runs great except for this one little problem. The boat is 1981 Ranger 335V, with a 1981 Merucry 115 hp straight six. Any help before I haul her into the shop? The prop does turn freely in neutral, so I don't think anything is bent.
Thanks
Grimjack

[SkeeterZXR21SHO]

Will it turn higher RPM's when its running in neutral? I had a 115 that did that and it ended up being that the throttle linkage was loose and needed readjusting.

[grimjack]

Yeah, it will go gangbusters in neutral. I have tried revving her for a bit in neutral to see if it was just cold, but it didn't help. I haven't played with the linkages at all, onlytime I had the ocver off was to change the plugs outt, but I will take a look.
Thanks
Grimjack

[Rudeman]

I had a 90HP staight six that had a problem similar to yours after it got soaking wet one day trailering it. It also sat uncovered the night prior to going out. It was hard as h$@l to start and once it did it ran like sh*t. Turned out it was a the distributor. The gasket failed and there was lots of water inside the cap. I got a new gasket and a center contact and after a thorough cleaning and drying out it ran like she did when I first brought her home. Like a scalded dog! It wouldn't hurt to look at your plugs either.

By the way Welcome to BBC!

[SkeeterZXR21SHO]

If I were you I would post this on down in the mercury forum if you have not already. Better chance at getting an answer down there.

[Higgy]

I had the same thing happen to a 115 I used to own and it turned out to be a bad plug wire

[grimjack]

Checked the plugs and such, all is good, finally called the shop, and they said the motor has a two-stage stor, one for low RPM and one for High. They said the HIGH RPM cuts in at 2000 RPM and that is 95% the problem. Going in to the shop tomorrow for test and (hopefully) repair.
Thanks for all the tips.
Grimjack

[herbertrhudy]

could very easily be the stator

[Rudeman]

Let us know what you find out Bro'; no doubt someone else is bound to have the same problem.

[grimjack]

Drat! Changed the stator, the flywheel is a pain to get off, and it still tops out at 2K. Unless I get some good ides by Tuesday that don't require parts, into the shop she goes.
Thanks
Grimjack