2002 300 sundancer Hard start and low speed skip

[dad's turn]

I have 387 hours on the port engine (BR3, 5.7) I notice last week that it started a little rough. Today I had to work even harder to get it going. Then it seemed to be fine. Did my harbor tour and while returning to the slip I notice a slight skip when backing down at low speed. Any thoughts?

 

[Dave S]

A common failure on these engines is the idle air controller (IAC). I can't say for sure if that's your problem but I have got to the point that I carry a spare with me on my boat because when they fail you can not start your engine in neutral unless you give it some throttle. We recently had a discussion on this that you may want to take a look at in this post.

http://www.clubsearay.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=5192&highlight=iac

 

[dad's turn]

I replaced both of them last fall. But I will check this out in the morning. Thanks

 

[daddyox]

I just replaced both of mine-- one went at 190 hours, the other at 200. I bought a 3rd.

 

[Bottom Line]

Anyone have any pics? Or can tell me where the IAC is located? I just want to be prepared...

 

[daddyox]

Jeff- no pics (I should start doing that) but its on top of engine under the cover just slightly back of center. Its a few allen wrenches and a plug - I'm not v. mechanically inclined but i know enough to replace it myself. If your engine alarm goes off, and it stalls at idle and you have to slightly throttle to keep your engine going--- its the IAC. I was told by my mechanic that they "go" all the time on the mercs. They go for about $90-- good to keep a spare I think.