Persistent engine issues can be incredibly frustrating, especially when you feel like you’ve addressed the same problem multiple times. If you are noticing sediment in your Racor filters despite frequent changes, or if your engine is cutting out under load, it’s a sign that there is an underlying issue within your fuel system or engine health that needs a deep dive.
At Yes Centers, we help boaters across Kemah and the Clear Lake area diagnose complex fuel and mechanical problems to ensure your time on the water is spent sailing, not troubleshooting.
Diagnosing Recurring Fuel Contamination & Engine Stalling
When a boat’s starboard engine shuts down at 2000 RPM but runs fine at idle, the most common culprit is fuel starvation. However, the presence of sediment and inconsistent oil pressure suggests a multi-point inspection is necessary.
1. Why Sediment Keeps Returning
If you have replaced your Racor filters and had your fuel “looked at” three times in three years but still see sediment, the issue likely isn’t the fuel you’re buying—it’s the fuel tank itself.
Tank Sludge: Over time, sediment and biological growth (algae) settle at the bottom of the tank. In the choppy waters of Galveston Bay, this sediment gets stirred up and pulled into your lines.
Fuel Polishing: Simply changing filters won’t fix a dirty tank. You may need a professional fuel polishing service to clean the fuel and the tank walls thoroughly.
2. The 2000 RPM Shutdown
An engine that dies specifically when throttled up is often “gasping” for fuel. As the RPMs increase, the engine demands more flow. If sediment is restricting the lines or the filter is partially clogged, the engine will starve and stall. We also check for:
Air Leaks: Small cracks in fuel lines can pull in air under high suction.
Fuel Lift Pump: A weakening pump might manage at idle but fail to provide the pressure needed at 2000 RPM.
3. Addressing Inconsistent Oil Pressure
Inconsistent oil pressure is a “red flag” that should never be ignored. While it could be a simple faulty sending unit or sensor, it can also indicate:
Oil Dilution: If fuel is leaking into the oil, it thins the lubricant, causing pressure to fluctuate.
Pump Issues: A failing oil pump or a restricted pick-up tube can lead to dangerous pressure drops.
Expert Marine Diagnostics in the Kemah Area
Don’t let recurring engine trouble keep you tied to the dock. Yes Centers provides comprehensive mechanical and electrical diagnostics for all marinas within a 30-mile radius of Kemah, including Seabrook, League City, and Texas City.
We can perform a vacuum test on your fuel system to identify restrictions and use professional diagnostic tools to track your oil pressure in real-time.
Contact Us for an Inspection:
Address: 828 Marina Bay Dr, Kemah, TX 77565
Phone: +1 281-538-9377
Service Area: Every marina within 30 miles of our Kemah headquarters.
