It's a carburated engine so it probably has a mechanical fuel pump.

Nope, I had the same engine on my previous boat.

--Mike

"James" wrote in message
ink.net...
It's a carburated engine so it probably has a mechanical fuel pump.

"MGG" wrote in message
et...
It sounds like a fuel pump or related problem. Unlike an automotive pump,
the marine varient will only pump gas when there is oil pressure, or the
engine is cranking. So I'm guessing it's either a bad pump, low oil
pressure, or a bad oil pressure sending unit (check for loose connections
there too).

--Mike

"Patrick Johnson" wrote in message
...
Hello,
I have a 4.3L Volvo (Chevy) motor in a 1998 Larson ski boat. This
motor
has the 'upgraded' 4bbl carb. from the factory. Last year the engine
ran
great. I have had it out 4 or 5 times this year and have noticed a
problem
that gets worse every time I take it out. During the first trip I
noticed
on two occasions, the engine cut-out for a fraction of a second when I
accelerated from a stop. It did this a little more often on the second
and
third trip. On the 4th trip out, it started cutting-out completely for
a
second or two while cruising. During the 5th and latest trip, it would
cut-out and quit completely. It would take a couple of tries to get it
restarted.
At first it would only cut-out during acceleration, but now it will
cut-out either at idle or during cruising. It will run great until this
happens, and it gives no warning. It will run fine for 10 - 30 minutes
after I launch it before it starts this problem. Once it cuts out for
the
first time, it usually keeps happening fairly constantly thereafter, but
runs great until then.
I thought it may have been a problem in the ignition system, so I
replaced the module, distributor cap, and rotor since there was signs of
corrosion on them. The ignition coil looked fine so I left it alone.
This
didn't fix the problem though. Someone suggested the fuel filter/water
separator may be clogged so I replaced it with no change. I checked all
of
the wiring to make sure nothing was loose. I know that it can go over
rough
water just find without cutting off...and will cut-off when idling in
calm
water. Therefore, a loose wire doesn't seem like the problem. The
problem
is definitely intermittent as I have not felt any decrease in
performance.

Any ideas/suggestions will be greatly appreciated!!!

Patrick