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03 197 with 310 hp predator. Engine has seemed to be running rich the last few times out. What I mean by rich is, a strong fuel smell out the exhaust while running. You can smell it while at idle, wake boarding or skiing. It has been starting fine with no issues until yesterday. Yesterday at the launch it cranked and cranked but would not fire. After about 5 attempts I put the transmission in neutral and gave it about 1/2 throttle and it started and continued to run with a heavy fuel smell. We ran the boat for about 5 hours of use boarding, skiing. It started as usual but on three occasions after sitting for several minutes I had to give it 1/2 throttle to get it running. One other thing is, it doesn't seem to be running with full power. We had 9 people in the boat, around 1300 lbs and it seemed low on power getting out of the hole and up too speed. Any advice is greatly appreciated.
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Sounds like an ignition issue. Check the distributer cap and rotor. If the electrodes in the cap have a white/grey build up on them replace the cap and rotor. If it hasn't had plugs in a while it wouldn't hurt to replace those as well. -
Check the resistance of the ECT (Engine Coolant Temperature) sensor. If it's too high, the ECM thinks the engine temperature is low and it will run rich, if at all.Originally posted by Prostarski190 View Post
Take a whiff of the oil- if it smells like gasoline, change it. Diluted gas doesn't lubricate well and this isn't something that should wait.Comment
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JimN, thank you for answering the post. Can you advise me on how to check the resistance of the ETC?Originally posted by JimN View PostComment
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Get a digital multi-meter, set it to Ohms and touch each probe to one pin. The resistance should be 2100-3500 Ohms at 70 degrees F. If it's significantly higher, take it to an auto parts store and compare it with a new one. You'll also have the original, so they can get the correct part since the first thing they'll ask is "What kind of car is it from?".Originally posted by Prostarski190 View PostComment
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What would cause a strong fuel smell in the oil? Thank youOriginally posted by JimN View PostComment
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Running rich, gas can bypass the rings, especially if it takes longer to fire.Originally posted by Prostarski190 View PostComment
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Today is the first chance I've had to look at the boat. And yes, there is a strong fuel smell in the oil. I'm draining the oil now. The oil seems thinner than usual as it's draining easily without warming engine. How should I proceed? I really appreciate your help. Thank youOriginally posted by JimN View PostComment
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Change out the oil and get a new coolant sensor. They are ~$17 from Napa. This is likely the part number MPE TS4052SB
Once you have a new sensor you can compare it to the old one for reistsnce or you can do it right in the store.
You won't know what to look for next until you confirm if it is or is not the ECT.Comment
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Does anyone have a photo of the ETC or where it's located? ThanksOriginally posted by kwoody51 View PostComment
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It should be located on the starboard (drivers) side, on the middle of the engine, slightly below the exhaust manifold.
Looks like the part in the link https://www.napaonline.com/napa/en/p/MPETS4052SB/
Plug snaps off easy and 3/4" socket takes it out. It's a 5 min job...Comment
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Distributor cap is corroded and plug wires and plugs may need replacing. What's the best place to source these? Can I get them at Napa as well or should I get them from Skidim?Comment
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Napa will have those parts also.Comment
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Prostarski, I'm interested to hear how this turns out. I am having a very similar issue. It started last weekend. I went out yesterday to try an replicate the issue. What I noticed is that fuel smell and the difficulty starting happened after the engine was up to temp. It was fine at launch and started right up after we had anchored for a few hours. Every time I stopped to pickup a skier, it take forever to start and then run very rough. My first thought was the distributor, but I didn't think about the sensor.
Keep us posted on what you find out. I'll dig into mine tonight and check the oil and distributor.__________________
2002 X7 (Current)
1988 Tristar 190 Open Bow (Old)Comment
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