Engine RPM Flutter

[Woodsy]

Howdy folks,

Issue: The starboard engine on my 2017 AR210, had an rpm flutter the first couple minutes or so on the water.

I didn’t notice it in no wake mode leaving the launch, but then once underway it would drop 1000-1500 rpm momentarily before going back to where the rpm’s should be. It did this about 4-5 times. I slowed the boat down to an idle, then went on to use the boat all day without it happening again. Any thoughts on why this would occur?

Thanks for your time.

 

[Julian]

When was the last time the spark plugs were changed? This sounds exactly like the symptoms of fouled/old plugs.

 

[Woodsy]

Thank you Julian. I purchased the boat new in 2020. i might have 80 hours on it, and have not changed the plugs. Sounds like a good place to start. I am planning to use the boat one more time today, before travelling home. I am thinking I should be fine since it ran for a good 5 hours yesterday without the issue surfacing again. Unless you think otherwise?

 

[Woodsy]

Went on the water this afternoon, no engine rpm fluttering. I also checked my engine hours. I stand corrected, only 25 hours. Yesterday when I experienced the engine rpm flutter, it was only the second time in the water since being winterized and the first time was pretty much only a slow, short cruise. So I am wondering if the motor just needed a good run to clean out the engine fogging after being winterized.