Hey Greg, I had a similar problem with one of my 7.4 engines. It turned
out to be a sticky float. You could try a heavy mix of carb cleaner in
the fuel and spray the throat and linkage with general purpose carb
cleaner. That worked for the port engine.

Capt Frank

prop_wash wrote:

Hi all,
I have a 1988 boat that is having some problems. I have a 7.4L Bravo engine
(454 Mag.)
When I start the boat it runs 3 or 4 minutes and acts like it runs out of
gas. If I let it sit about 5 minutes it will start and run about another 3
or 4 minutes and then stalls again. It also stalls at high idle and doesn't
run near as long after restarting. Sometimes I can get it to start by
cranking while holding the throttle wide open but not always. I have checked
the fuel filter and changed the water separator. I have also checked the
screen in the bottom of the pick up tube in the gas tank.
I'm thinking I have a bad fuel pump but I don't want to run out and spend
$135 for a new one and have it not be the problem. Some people have also
suggested I need to have my carb. rebuilt.
I also noticed that just before the stalling started, when I was running
across the lake at almost wide open, my engine speed would jump up and down
from 4000 to 4600 w/o moving the throttle lever. (With boat speed going up
and down with engine speed. Higher RPM, more speed, etc...)
Any one out have any suggestions?

Thanks in advance for any help you can offer,
Gregg