'89 4.3l won't restart in water

Jswingle13

Cadet
Joined
Aug 14, 2011
Messages
20
Runs great on muffs and starts and runs after launching. Once I shut it off to go swimming, etc it won't restart? It turns over just won't fire. This is my first boat and I have read the service manuals. I have always been handy with vehicles but I am quickly learning there is a big differance. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.
 

Bt Doctur

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Aug 29, 2004
Messages
19,301
Re: '89 4.3l won't restart in water

Most times you need to pump the throttle and leave it slightly open .but you dont mention what 4.3. carb, injected, ,?????
 

ohioriverat

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Aug 7, 2011
Messages
115
Re: '89 4.3l won't restart in water

I have a 1992 model and i usually give it a slight bit of throttle when restarting on the water, she seems to flood a little and starts right up this way, it is a very simple engine nothing like the outboards.. do you lose spark? when does it restart and how do you get it out of the water?
 

ohioriverat

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Aug 7, 2011
Messages
115
Re: '89 4.3l won't restart in water

Most times you need to pump the throttle and leave it slightly open .but you dont mention what 4.3. carb, injected, ,?????

I love this forum you guys are the best at helping people..happy boating!!It's Saturday!!!!
 

Jswingle13

Cadet
Joined
Aug 14, 2011
Messages
20
Re: '89 4.3l won't restart in water

It seems to flood and I end up using a paddle to get back...after the first time it happened I learned to keep it close to the ramp. I didn't check to see if I lost spark at that point. It has a 2-barrel carb. After I get it home and hook the muffs up it will start.
 

WILSONS88

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Jun 29, 2011
Messages
75
Re: '89 4.3l won't restart in water

Sounds like its time to rebuild the carb if its flooding out. Sticking float, needle not seating properly. Try running some seafoam (fuel additive) through it. Sometimes it will help.
 

Jswingle13

Cadet
Joined
Aug 14, 2011
Messages
20
Re: '89 4.3l won't restart in water

I will look at rebuilding the carb anyhow, I also picked up a new cap and rotor and set of plugs. Other than winterizing and oil changes I don't think any major maintenance has been done on this boat.
 

Don S

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Aug 31, 2004
Messages
62,321
Re: '89 4.3l won't restart in water

Do you use the throttle only position of the throttle/shifter control to open the throttle when starting?
 

Jswingle13

Cadet
Joined
Aug 14, 2011
Messages
20
Re: '89 4.3l won't restart in water

Yes, when I first launch I pump it once and pull it back and it fires and runs good. When trying to restart I leave it in neutral in fear of flooding it, Once warm it should fire right up? after cranking and no fire I will pump it once or twice and try again with no luck.
 

Don S

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Aug 31, 2004
Messages
62,321
Re: '89 4.3l won't restart in water

Sounds to me like you are unfamiliar with carbed engines. They do not start like an EFI engine.
Move the lever to about 1/4 to 1/3 throttle and see if it starts. If you suspect it's flooded, you go to wide open throttle and crank the engine till it starts.
 

Jswingle13

Cadet
Joined
Aug 14, 2011
Messages
20
Re: '89 4.3l won't restart in water

Why would it start right away cold but not warm? The first time it happened I did try wot after it wouldn't restart. I have some more clues after thinking abOut it...after sitting in the water not running, I started getting water in my bilge. There is no water in my oil and I dont hydrolock. Upon further inspection I have found a tear in my shift bellows, the other bellows seem fine. Could this have anything to do with it?
 

cr2k

Captain
Joined
Mar 19, 2009
Messages
3,730
Re: '89 4.3l won't restart in water

Because a cold engine needs more fuel to start, hence the invention of the choke.
 

Volphin

Lieutenant
Joined
Jun 5, 2011
Messages
1,405
Re: '89 4.3l won't restart in water

I agree with the other posters... carb rebuild would do it a world of good as would those new plugs & dist cap. Check the base timing too. It sounds slightly retarded. When properly adjusted, a 4.3L will fire right up with no throttle needed. You just touch the key on mine and she fires right up.

HTH

V
 
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