4.3 Volvo I/O Issues :(

[cmb1184]

Hey All,

I need some help. I have a 97 Glastron with a 4.3 Volvo I/O.
the issue im having is when i start my motor, it cranks but wont turn over at first.
I spray some starter fluid into the carb and it runs fine till it burns through the starter fluid, then stalls. Im no rocket scientist but i believe im having issues with fuel getting to the carb. After about 15 times of spraying starter fluid and starting it up and stalling, my motor magically gets fuel and it runs perfect all day and i have no problem turning it off and firing it right back up.
Im wondering if i have a mechanical fuel pump that needs some persuading to get fuel to the carb. Any thoughts on how to stop this??

Thanks,

Charles

 

[Fishermark]

Re: 4.3 Volvo I/O Issues

Any thoughts on how to stop this??

How to stop this? Stop spraying starting fluid in the carb!


In all seriousness, starting fluid can cause more problems than it solves.

Does this only happen when the motor is cool? Have you checked your choke? Does it work?

And, not to sound like a jerk, but do you know the proper procedure for starting a boat engine with a carb versus a car with fuel injection?

On yeah, one more thing - welcome to the forum!

 

[cmb1184]

Re: 4.3 Volvo I/O Issues

Yes this problem only happens when the motor is cool.
and only when i try to start my boat for the first time of the day.

Also i didnt know there was a "proper" way to start a motor with a carb as opposed to fuel injection. If you could fill me in i would appreciate it!!

Typically i pump the throttle a few times (assuming im getting fuel to the carb) then turn the key.

Please let me know if this is wrong or let me know the correct procedure.

Thanks

 

[Bondo]

Re: 4.3 Volvo I/O Issues

Typically i pump the throttle a few times

Ayuh,.... That should set the Choke,...
Have you looked to see if it Is set, while you were spraying it with Starting Fluid,..??
You've Really got to get Rid of that stuff...

 

[cmb1184]

Re: 4.3 Volvo I/O Issues

To tell you the truth im such a newb i dont even know where my choke is on my boat. ( i feel like a retard admiting it but i need to know)



and id love to get rid of the starting fluid. it just seemed like thats all i could do to get it to start

 

[Bondo]

Re: 4.3 Volvo I/O Issues

and id love to get rid of the starting fluid. it just seemed like thats all i could do to get it to start

Where,... Exactly were you Spraying that stuff,..?? If Not down the throat of the Carb,..??

 

[cmb1184]

Re: 4.3 Volvo I/O Issues

Im spraying it right down the throat of the carb for about 2 seconds then fire it up.

I figured out the approximate location of the choke but i couldnt tell you if it were in the right position or what to look for.

 

[Don S]

Re: 4.3 Volvo I/O Issues

If you promise to NEVER bring a can of starting fluid on your boat again, I will explain how to start a carbed engine, OK

Thought so

First of all, it's a carb, not EFI. You have to think and work with a carb. Us old farts grew up with carbs and chokes that sometimes didn't work.
The choke is the upper butterfly plate in the top of the carb. Closed when cold, open when warm. You have to remove the flame arrestor to see it.
To start a cold engine, use the throttle only button on your throttle/shift control and pump it one or more times. (You will figure that out later when you understand what is going on). This not only lets the choke plate close, it also squirts a little bit of fuel into the engine to prime the engine. Depending on how long since the last start or how cold, you may have to pump a couple times. But not too much, then you flood it, and then it becomes a PITA.
Now that you have pumped it the proper amount of times, leave the throttle up to about a quarter throttle and crank the engine. Just be ready to pull it back to 12 to 1500 rpm as the engine starts to speed up. It will, trust me.
Then leave it at about 1200 rpm while it warms up and the choke opens. You need to keep an eye on it, as it will change. Then after it warms up for a few minutes and the choke plate opens, it should idle and run fine.

 

[cmb1184]

Re: 4.3 Volvo I/O Issues

Don you are a true gentleman.
I appreciate the explanation. I will never use that starter fluid again!