My dad bought a ski boat last summer. It has a Chevy 454 in it and the main problem it had was that it would running at 3-4k and all of a sudden it would die down, completely lose power, and have a rough idle for 30-40 seconds and then it would just come back to speed.

The carburetor it was originally equipped with was a Rochestor, and it looks like it's had some wear and tear. My dad is convinced that replacing the carb will fix the problem but I tend to think it may be an ignition problem.

What do you guys think? Replace the carb?, or go ahead and do a cap, rotor, wire, and plug replacement also.

thanks-

 

I think tune up first. Maybe you could change the jets in the carb.

 

check inside the distributor cap for moisture. i have worked on lots of carbed chevy v8s. i could check it out but it would have to be brought up to my shop. hard to say whats wrong with out lookin at it. i put the motor in my dads 22foot sea ray. its just a little 550 ci big block 850hp

if he wants a nice dependable carb then he should get a 750 edelbrock carb.

there hope that helps. if ya want me to check it out call my cell 567-4666, im mike