What causes Dieseling in a boat?

Dieseling can occur for several reasons: Built-up carbon in the ignition chamber can glow red after the engine is off, providing a mechanism for igniting unburnt fuel. Such a thing can happen when the engine runs very rich, depositing unspent fuel and particles on the pistons and valves.

How long will a 4.3 MerCruiser last?

The average life for raw water cooled engines is 1,000-1,500 hours or less depending on how often they are used and how well they have been maintained. Sitting unused is hard on them, it’s better if they are run and flushed often.

Why does my boat sputter when I turn it off?

Re: Boat Sputters after I turn it off It is usually due to engine heat that causes the gasoline to ignite even without a spark.

What temperature should a MerCruiser 4.3 run at?

The normal temperature for a 4.3 MerCruiser is 160 degrees, but under a heavy load the gauge may register slightly higher readings. When the engine temperature exceeds 200 degrees, a warning alarm will sound.

Can dieseling cause damage?

Answer: Dieseling can lead to pinging and severe internal explosions. This will increase combustion chamber pressure that can crack the block or cylinder head, damage pistons, valves, spark plugs, piston rings.

What horsepower is a 4.3 MerCruiser?

The MerCruiser 4.3L MPI engine is a multi-point, fuel injected engine. This V6, 262 cubic inch (4.3-liter) motor delivers 220 horsepower (HP) to the sterndrive at 4,400 to 4,800 RPM at WOT (wide open throttle).

Why do boats break down so much?

1 breakdown reason — running out of fuel). You most likely have a filter problem or fouled plugs. Prevention: It’s possible to buy a bad load of fuel, but it’s more likely that the fuel went bad while in your boat. Leaving a tank near empty for long periods of time can cause condensation and water in the gas.

How do I stop my engine from dieseling?

How to Stop My Car From Dieseling

1. Run a carbon-cleaning solvent through your engine. Regardless of its fuel source, a gasoline engine simply cannot diesel without something to ignite the fuel.
2. Replace the spark plugs with “colder” heat range plugs.
3. Change your oil and replace it with a high-mileage full-synthetic.