If its the center engine, I'd check the inlet lip skin for a dent or deformation from perhaps a bird strike or de-icer bucket, the duct vortex generators are all installed and not bent, and also the inlet access door is correctly installed and sealed. We used to take engines that stalled in the center spot and install them on a pod and they'd happily run for hours before the stall margin decreased enough to warrant removal. Doesn't the -17 have additional smaller surge bleed pots which if stuck will make it touchy. We also used to pour a bit of lube down the lines from the PRBC to the bleed valves to ensure they weren't sticking. Hope this helps.