Challenger RPM / throttle issue.

[terrick619]

OK so we had our 2000 challenger 1800 (210) new to us out last weekend finally for a real weekend.
mostly ran well, but we had 2 issues that have me unsure.

1) After about 2-3 hours on the water, all of the sudden the engine gets really upset if i try to throttle over 3500rpm.
I checked fuel/oil etc all are fine (3/4 tank at the time for both). could the fuel pump maybe be having fits?

2) Wife bought the kids a tube to pull which is fine but we noticed the jet spray seems to drown them, is there a way to adjust that? we have a 60' tow rope and its spraying them like crazy if I go over ~25mph.
I know the simple answer is go slower but the teenage kids don't like that, just trying to make everyone happy if possible.

 

[Dr Honda]

1) We are going to need a better description. "Getting upset over 3500 RPM's" doesn't tell me what the engine is doing.

2) With many jet drives... this is a problem. The normal solution is to run a longer rope.

 

[audidudi]

2) Wife bought the kids a tube to pull which is fine but we noticed the jet spray seems to drown them, is there a way to adjust that? we have a 60' tow rope and its spraying them like crazy if I go over ~25mph.
I know the simple answer is go slower but the teenage kids don't like that, just trying to make everyone happy if possible.

We have the 2001 Challenger 1800 and I have found that a 75' rope clears the spray easily.

 

[terrick619]

I was told by the local shop 60' is the longest, I'll go hit the web for that part thanks!
(guess sometimes you can't trust the local guys sigh)

Ok sorry about that, after reading it that was a horrible description.

So we'll start off from idle, and I'll slowly accelerate, as I am accelerating somewhere between 3500-4000 the engine will die.
Now if I back off the throttle and bring it up to position that should get me around 3k, sometimes it'll pick backup.
Not being very mechanically inclined (computer geek) in my head its getting fuel starved.
I tried once going full throttle and that seemed to work as well, but not being sure what was up I didn't push that since I didn't want to damage anything.
Once this starts happening if I shut down and come back in a few hours problem seems to go away for a bit then come back.

Thoughts?

 

[audidudi]

I've not had this problem with my boat but I've had cars with the hesitation problem when applying throttle. The issue was the fuel filter which is an easy replacement. When the filter gets clogged it can't provide the fuel the engine is demanding. I will let the other more experienced boat experts share their thoughts.

 

[Dr Honda]

Check your local laws. In PA we are allowed 75'.

Since its dying at 4k... I would start with a carb cleaning.

 

[terrick619]

Ok i think the fuel filter wasn't too costly so i can replace that, on the carb cleaning, is there a walkthrough or guide available? feel free to say google, this is my response after reading this and going oh crap I don't know how to do that.

Thanks a ton for the help, off to google for a tow rope and carb cleaning instructions

 

[Dr Honda]

I haven't seen a guide on rebuilding the 210 carbs... but they are simple devices. If you have the regular service manual... you shouldn't have any issues with a basic cleaning.