I have a 1975 225 s6 in a boat and have posted here before, receiving some excellent help so thanks for that. The engine has been running fine until very recently when it began to balk and stall at idle (less than 1,000) or when placed under load (in gear). The stall isn't always immediate -- if I let it idle, it will slowly loose rpm and then die; if I put it in gear, all of this happens a bit more quickly. Also, when I try to start it once it has stalled, I sometimes get a backfire. As mentioned, this is a recent development.

To my mind, this is a fuel problem -- any ideas?


Dan

Check the ignition timing. First verify that the timing mark is actually indicating TDC. If the timing is way off, check the distributor drive gear. Should the gear need replacement, search this site for the thread that describes the replacement procedure...the new gear will not work out of the box; redrilling is required.

Ken

Sounds like a fuel problem. Check the fuel pump output by disconecting the line out of the pump and have a friend crank it. ( catch the fuel in a can or jar). Possible ideas are bad float in carb., clogged line or fuel filter, or a clogged sock in the gas tank.
Frank

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73 Duster - Race Car
66 Dart Wagon - DD
178" FED
82 D150
All Slant powered

I'm going to second the ignition opinion. Check your distributor and make sure everything checks out ok. If you are able to keep it from dying by staying on the gas, then it's probably not a fuel problem are most likely coming from your distributor.

If you have a vacuum gauge, I'd hook it up just to check and make sure that you are at 17-21 or so.