Universal 25 xp stalling

[faithforster26@msn.com]

We have a Catalina 30, 1988 and have found that when cutting back on the throttle to low RPMs and then placing the gear shift in neutral, the engine stalls. When trying to restart there is no cranking over at all. After a few minutes, when we try again the engine starts up. Needless to say this is very nerve racking and happens when you are lowering the main and preparing to dock. Just had the motor serviced for Spring and the batteries were good and all other checks for a 100 hour service were good.
Has anyone had this experience or have any thoughts on what could be the cause.
Many Thanks, Faith

 

[Stu Jackson]

You don't mention what the rpms are when this happens. Most of us keep the rpms at 1,000 to 1,100 minimum. The engine will still work at 800 rpm but is quite "rocky" that low. Consider resetting your minimum rpm on the engine or with the throttle.

No cranking at all could be two things:

1) Bad ground connection at the engine - bell housing under alternator

2) Rotting but not yet completely dead fuseholder from the start button also under the alternator

Check out our C34 Critical Upgrades topic which includes many engine related issues: http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,5078.0.html

There is also a lot of engine information on our C34 Tech wiki, clock on it at the top of the message board page.

 

[LuzSD]

I lower our RPM to 1200 or maybe a little lower, put into gear (say reverse when leaving our slip) and at the same time that I put it in reverse I up the RPM, just for the reason you mention. It have always been that way for our boat and I have never stalled it. I hope your fix turns out to be as simple as just finding the right combination like we did.

 

[Anonymous 121765]

FF,

Stu & Luz gave some good feedback. Remember to check Stu's link for further troubleshooting info, as he has a treasure trove of great links. Check your idle RPM's. If when shifting you hear the RPM's drop off and then increase, could be a linkage problem/adjustment and not an engine problem.

I have found twice now in my boat that the cable attachment on the back of my throttle control popped out of the clip and I had the same stalling problem. Then another time, as my controls are not on the binnacle (but down low on the seat side), someone stepped on the control lever and bent the cable end. Stalled while coming into the slip.

Cables need looking at from time to time. Anything mechanical needs to be looked at periodically. Your problem is probably a simple fix once isolated........

CR

 

[faithforster26@msn.com]

Thank-you Stu: You are right, the RPMs do have to be at least 800 to prevent stalling. Also, our mechanic tells us that you can adjust your idle RPMs upward which we will do to prevent the crtical stalls at sea when you idle to hoist sails etc.
Many Thanks for your advice and web sites,
Faith J Forster

 

[faithforster26@msn.com]

Thanks Luz: There certainly seems to be consensus about the appropriate idling RPMs for the Universal engine. We are planning to adjust our idling speed to increase the RPMs and not have any further stalls.
Your input was most appreciated,
Faith J Forster

 

[faithforster26@msn.com]

Thank-you Captn Ron: I am reassured by these replies that others have similar adventures at seas. Thanks for your pointers about where to troubleshoot. The idling speed of the Universal certainly needs to not drop below 7-800.
Also cables always need checking to ensure that there are no diisconnects etc.
Your comments are much appreciated,
Faith Forster

 

[LuzSD]

just a little FYI to even further confirm your decisions....... as we left our boat on Sunday the last thing my husband said was "I'm going to set that idle higher next week, I just don't like it that low!" You are in good company!

 

[newboatowner]

I had the exact problem after the engine had been running for an hour. I turned down the throttle down and the enging stalled as I was pulling into the dock. You can just imagine what panic I felt as I was drifting toward boats at the dock. I checked the cable and it had unusual slack. I adjusted the stop on the ejector pump a few turns and it seems to have done the trick.