2003 Utopia 205 Idle issue

[Jstab]

I was browsing and was not able to find any info that really covers what exactly I am experiencing here. I was out on the lake about 2 hours ago, as I brought the throttle back my buddy said he saw some black smoke, and the idle was extremely rough. I immediately shut her down and did a quick inspection. Could not find anything that looked out of place. Fired the engine up and the idle was very awkward. Not even sure how to describe it. As I was tinkering around it started to downpour (crazy florida weather) being about a mile from my dock on a monday, I went for it. As soon as I gave it throttle, everything seemed to clear up but I was noticing a little bit more smoke that I usually get (not a lot more, just a noticeable amount). Anyone ever experience this before? Thanks for any help guys.

 

[Jstab]

I guess the engine info would be nice. It is the 240

 

[Racereddie]

I guess the engine info would be nice. It is the 240

Black smoke usually means unburnt fuel, from what you are saying, the first thing I would check would be the spark plugs.

Eddie

 

[Jstab]

Black smoke usually means unburnt fuel, from what you are saying, the first thing I would check would be the spark plugs.

Eddie

That is at the top of my list, I am hoping that is it....

 

[Jstab]

Well I started messing with the boat, went to pull the plugs and noticed a sliver of rubber. Upon further investigation I found that my alternator belt was gone and shredded into a bunch of pieces all about the bottom of the engine cavity. How I missed this yesterday is beyond me. Got a new belt installed and fired her up, and she seems to be running fine. Does this seem legit? Are these engines that quirky if only running off the battery?

 

[Dr Honda]

Yep... that's the problem.

Good find.

 

[Racereddie]

Well I started messing with the boat, went to pull the plugs and noticed a sliver of rubber. Upon further investigation I found that my alternator belt was gone and shredded into a bunch of pieces all about the bottom of the engine cavity. How I missed this yesterday is beyond me. Got a new belt installed and fired her up, and she seems to be running fine. Does this seem legit? Are these engines that quirky if only running off the battery?

Yes they are, the ECU requires a very steady voltage. Lost my belt this time last year. Replaced it and it went out again. Found that the alternator was coming apart inside and the ball bearings were coming out of their races and locking the shaft. Take a minute and double check the alternator without the belt to make sure it is spinning freely.

Eddie