Engine stalls when I take it out of neutral

Roger K Sterling

Active Member
Oct 23, 2021
203
Boat Info
2000 Sea Ray 240 Sundancer
Engines
Mercruiser 5.0L, Bravo II, Thunderbolt V ignition
Finally have the boat int the water. It stalls when I take it out of neutral. I have to Rev the engine in neutral then quickly through it into forward.
 
Sounds like maybe the shift cable is sticking and holding the shift interrupt switch too long.
 
No shift interrupt on a Bravo. Then what? everything is fine after the quick shift?
 
What is the engine idle RPM’s? Perhaps they are set too low and the sudden load on the engine is enough to stall it.
 
What is the engine idle RPM’s? Perhaps they are set too low and the sudden load on the engine is enough to stall it.
I will check the spec rpm and see if I'm there
 
2000; carburetted? Could be the idle circuit has "gunked up" over the winter lull. Either way, start with verifying the idle speed.
 
Sounds like Nate may be onto something.

Going into gear from neutral, a when carb is in need of attention, could easily cause this.

The idle speed of the engine should be adjusted in gear and in the water.
 
Sounds like Nate may be onto something.

Going into gear from neutral, a when carb is in need of attention, could easily cause this.

The idle speed of the engine should be adjusted in gear and in the water.
2nd the motion. After launch mine would stall at shift/no gas. Like setting up to back into slip. Idle was 600 under load.
Raised it to 650 under load (specs) and no more stalling.
 
Ok, I turned the throttle adjustment screw 1.5 turns and that did it. No more stalling. Thanks for all your responses
Seeing as you had to turn the idle screw that far, assuming it ran fine last year, you may find the idle speed beginning to increase as you use the boat. There's a chance that, with use, the fresh fuel will clear the jets over time. As that happens, you'll have to back the idle speed down to avoid heavy gear clashing when engaging. At some point, you may find yourself needing a fresh carb rebuild. Look on the bright side; you could have two carbs to deal with!
 
Must be a idle virus going around, launched zodiac today, idle was fine last year, now stalling in gear. Had to raise it a hair too. Weird.
Anyway, as Potato said, I raised it but while riding around with engine cover off I noticed I had to start backing it out. 1.5 is a lot, don’t be surprised if you have to back it out some over the next couple weeks.
 
I like using Seafoam in fuel every now and again to keep things clean.

Sounds like you may have deposits in carb from fuel sitting all winter.
 
Ok, I turned the throttle adjustment screw 1.5 turns and that did it. No more stalling. Thanks for all your responses
Where is the throttle adjustment screw?
On the carb or control cable you mentioned
 
Where is the throttle adjustment screw?
On the carb or control cable you mentioned
 
Idle mixture screws are on the base of carb. There is a step by step process of adjusting the throttle position screw on the carb linkage, hand in hand with the throttle cable adjustment to get it all just right. It is all spelled out in the service manual.

If you don't have the manual, they are easily found and downloaded on line.

I have one for '89 - '92 V8's if you need it.
I also have Alpha and Bravo drive manuals if needed
 
Last edited:

Forum statistics

Threads
112,950
Messages
1,422,886
Members
60,933
Latest member
juliediane
Back
Top