First new to me boat..Need help, Won't start.

Hello fellow baoters. I purchaed a boat yesterday and now I am having problems starting it. Here is the information on it.

1969 Starcraft with a 100hp Johnson.

Motor information:

Model: V4TL-14B
SN# J2985866

Can anyone tell me what year this is?

I know the motor runs, I saw it yesterday. The previous owner told me he has been having trouble with if for a couple of months now. Sometimes it starts, sometimes not.

There is no spark! I am thinking there is a wire or a ground that is loose hence the resaon that it starts sometimes. Can anyone tell me where to start.

Re: First new to me boat..Need help, Won't start.

Start at the battery andmake sure it is charged and terminals are clean and tight.Follow each cable to it's end making sure thier are no breaks or "soft spots" like it's broken.When you get to the other end make sure those connections are also wrench tight.DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN....and clean.

Re: First new to me boat..Need help, Won't start.

MarkHughes said:

Hello fellow baoters. I purchaed a boat yesterday and now I am having problems starting it. Here is the information on it.

1969 Starcraft with a 100hp Johnson.

Motor information:

Model: V4TL-14B
SN# J2985866

Can anyone tell me what year this is?

I know the motor runs, I saw it yesterday. The previous owner told me he has been having trouble with if for a couple of months now. Sometimes it starts, sometimes not.

There is no spark! I am thinking there is a wire or a ground that is loose hence the resaon that it starts sometimes. Can anyone tell me where to start.

Click to expand...

It is a 1968. You are on the right track looking for loose or corroded wires. That motor is very fussy about such things. Especially the battery cables and connections. No compromising there, they absolutely must be shiny clean and tight. Beyond that, you better know something about electrical troubleshooting because you are going to need it. If you can't find another cause, at least be aware that the pulse packs were notorious for running and quitting, then running again before you could get it back to the dealer for repairs.

I wish you hadn't said that it is your first boat. That motor is a prime example of the definition of a boat---a hole in the water that you dump money into. An unfortunate way to get started as a boater.

Re: First new to me boat..Need help, Won't start.

So the Pulse pack can be intermentant?