Whilst there are many reasons for a boat engine not reaching max revs, here is a list of of possible culprits:
- Restriction in fuel supply, including clogged filter and blocked fuel tank vent;
- Fault in fuel lift pump;
- Restriction in air supply, including clogged filter;
- Air getting into fuel lines;
- Fault in injector pump, or timing incorrect;
- Blocked or faulty injector(s);
- Valves not seating correctly or timing not correct;
- Poor/unsuitable grade of diesel;
- Restricted or slipping throttle cable;
- Restriction in exhaust line;
- Blown cylinder head gasket;
- Damage or sudden wear to cylinders, pistons or piston rings;
- Overheating engine.
The one thing it won’t be is hull fouling. That may affect your speed, but not your revs.
Frist step, does the engine reach max revs under no load (out of gear). If so, then that eliminates a number of possibilities (throttle linkage, governor out of setting).
Second, can you turn the prop shaft easily when the engine is out of gear? If so, that eliminates such things as cutless or other bearing friction, ropes around the prop shaft etc.
Third, do you have some black smoke coming out at the back when at full throttle but only 2,600 revs? If so, the fuel is getting to the engine, but somewhere along the line there’s too much load – low boat speed? fishing net wrapped around prop?
If no black smoke, then there’s possibly not enough fuel getting to the injector pumps. Check filters first, then check for air leaks (groan, dismantling jobs . . .)
Narrow your search and it’s much easier to find the cause . . .