Sputtering Under Load?

[yardawg]

The past couple of weeks I've noticed my 08 Challenger 180 sputter while pulling up a wake boarder. It would do it for a second or two almost every time. It concerned me, but not too bad since it runs fine the rest of the time. It just seemed like a strain when putting that much drag on the boat (It would take a while to get these boarders up). Yesterday I noticed it sputtering while starting off under load with just me in the boat.

Any ideas what might be the problem?

 

[yardawg]

I understand the term cavitation, but I know what it actually feels like. Can anyone describe it? Tonight I found some sea grass in the grate. I'm wondering if that might have disrupted the water flow and the sputtering is actually cavitation. Can anyone help me out?

 

[Seadoobuddy]

Yes, seaweed around the shaft or just blocking the grate can cause cavitation.
It feels like the motor is revving up but the speed is not there.
is that your problem?

 

[yardawg]

No, not really. My first thought was I had some plugs fouling out. The engine kinda skips a little, but only under a load.

 

[Seadoobuddy]

You might try cutting about 1/4 inch or so off each plug wire at the boot then reinstall the boot. This usually gives a better spark.