1977 Thunderbolt 850, engine died at idle, wont restart....HELP!

kevblac

Cadet
Joined
Jan 11, 2012
Messages
21
I had been running the boat off and on all day, we were getting ready to run home on the last trip of the day. I started the engine and was untieing from the dock. the engine was running fine at idle. all at once, the engine sputtered once and died. I tried to restart but it just cranked. I started smelling fuel. Thought maybe I had flooded it. I let it sit for a few minutes and tried to restart again. Acted like it wanted to start but only if I choked it. After severel minutes of failed attempts, the engine finally started but wouldnt stay running, died whithin a few seconds. I managed to get it to start a couple more times but everytime I tried to give it gas to keep it running it sounded like it was starving for fuel and would then die. It wont idle either and dies when I try to feed in fuel. Also, the whole time it smells of gas. Anyone have any ideas? Thanks guys!
 

phebus1

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Aug 19, 2011
Messages
85
Re: 1977 Thunderbolt 850, engine died at idle, wont restart....HELP!

Stuck float? I would remove cowl and see if I saw any fuel dripping from around carbs
 

aussieflash

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Feb 5, 2011
Messages
1,004
Re: 1977 Thunderbolt 850, engine died at idle, wont restart....HELP!

Check ball is hard.Check fuel lines for cracks,leaks and loose connections.Could be carbs(stuck float,dirty,worn needles).
 

kevblac

Cadet
Joined
Jan 11, 2012
Messages
21
Re: 1977 Thunderbolt 850, engine died at idle, wont restart....HELP!

I will be checking the ball and fuel lines today. I will let you guys know what I find. Thanks!
 

kevblac

Cadet
Joined
Jan 11, 2012
Messages
21
Re: 1977 Thunderbolt 850, engine died at idle, wont restart....HELP!

ok, Ive checked the ball it pumps up an stays hard. I removed everything down to the carbs and checked all fuel lines, no leaks or raw fuel collecting anywhere...it does not however smell like fuel anymore an not sure why. I used the manuel choke at about half an the engine fired up and started running. as soon as it was running I pushed the choke all the way in. It ran great for about 2 minutes then it died and the problem started all over again. I tried to restart it the same way and it wont start. Im right back to square one.....what gives?
 
Top