89 200 Fuel problem???

[ladygrady]

I have an 89 200hp outboard and am having a problem which I believe is fuel flow and was hoping someone can confirm.

I seem to be losing rpms when at cruise speed. It will shoot up and down 3 to 4 hundred rpms mostly when running in the mid 3000 range. It almost sounds like a clutch slipping on a car. All of a sudden just shoots up in rpms. I bought a portable tank and new hose/primer bulb after changing all filers and this didn't do it either. The motor will also not run at max rpm. It only gets up to 4600 sometimes and 4400 at others.

My question is this type of power fluctuation and power loss normal with clogged carbs?

I have done some searching and am going to try some ringfree or seafoam and maybe shoot the berrymans in like Ken suggested to other posters.

The thing that gets me is the fluctuation in rpms which sounds like it is surging.

Any help or suggestions appreciated.

What to do in order of least expense to greatest expense would be sweet.



My question is

[jb123]

carbs need to be gone thru and/or rebuilt and for preventative change out fuel pumps if older than 5 yrs.as an extra precaution,new hose from tank are only about 20 bucks, as air leaks can cause issues also.

[Ken]

ladygrady,
The symptom you are experiencing could be clogged carbs or clogged up fuel filter or weak fuel pump or a restricted fuel flow from the tank.
Obviously, check all fuel filters first.
Then get the boat up to cruise speed at the point the motor starts surging, then have someone check the primer bulb. If it has collapsed, then there is a restriction from there on back to the fuel tank - may be the tank is not venting properly.
If the bulb has not collapsed, then have the other person squeeze the primer bulb several times till hard - if the motor comes up in rpm and stops surging, then you have a weak fuel pump(s).
If the above does not change the symptom, then your carbs are probably clogged up. Try a shock treatment with RingFree or SeaFoam - sometimes that works. Also, pull the jets (all that you can get to) and do the squirt routine with Berryman's.
If you still have the symptom, then the carbs need to be torn down, cleaned, and a kit installed.
Like jb says, some owners routinely replace the fuel pump(s) every five years on average for preventive maintenance.
Good luck, and let us know how you come out [img]smile.gif[/img] ,
Ken K