Boat Not Firing up

[OutforFun]

I have a 18 ft. 2000 Maxum 1800 SR with Mercruiser 135 HP engine with only 117 hrs. I've had the boat for 3 weeks and everything was fine until this past Sunday. I had it running and everything was good except starting was always difficult at times. On Sunday just didn’t start at all. The engine turns (it makes the noise but won’t catch) and all the connectors are good, but I replaced the battery to make sure, so I may have to check the wires again. Am I missing anything? <br /><br />I have checked the starter solenoid and everything seems to be connected properly. Only thing I did was look at the wire to see if its was clean and the center wire was a little bit dirty, so I attempted to clean it and start it back up with no avail. I even took out one of the spark plugs and have gotten a replacement. I have not put it on since the boat is on the lake currently. If it’s not the spark plug what else is it that is not making it fire up?<br /><br />Thanks,

 

[QC]

Re: Boat Not Firing up

OK. First, if it turns over (makes the noise) then it is definitely not the battery.<br /><br />Second, you need to make sure that it's getting good clean fuel without any water in it. I'd change the fuel/water seperator filter.<br /><br />Third, You need to make sure that you are getting spark at those plugs (I'm thinkin' you need 4 ).<br /><br />Check out this troubleshooting page from the Merc Op manual. I think it applies to your model.<br /><br />

<br /><br />What do you think guys, doing my best DonS impersonation . . .

 

[vipzach]

Re: Boat Not Firing up

Good job quietcat, love the insert of the manuel. <br />redsockfan does the motor turn over, or is the starter just spinning? Do you know the difference? If it is turning over then you need to figure out if it is getting fuel and spark.

 

[OutforFun]

Re: Boat Not Firing up

I'm not sure I know the difference. When I have the covers off, I can see that the motors are attempting to spin and it does a little bit, but won't catch. It makes a lot of sounds. <br /><br />What is the best way to check if fuel is getting there and sparking? My assumption is that once I replace the spark plugs it will help out?

 

[QC]

Re: Boat Not Firing up

Originally posted by bosredsoxfn:<br />My assumption is that once I replace the spark plugs it will help out?

Bosoxdude,<br /><br />No, you are getting trapped into a common mistake that many of us have made. Look at the troubleshooting guide. Spark comes down the trail. Nothing will help unless it is what is broken and none of us know what is broked yet.<br /><br />Anyway, let's start with the cranking thing first, becasue I am with the Vipman now . . . When you are turning the key and it is making noises, are the belts and pulleys at the front of the engine moving? If so, we need to move on to fuel.

 

[OutforFun]

Re: Boat Not Firing up

The belts are moving when I turn, but obviously not fully. If fuel, what exactly am I looking for?

 

[vipzach]

Re: Boat Not Firing up

IS it carburated? If so, when you have someone pump the throttle can you see or hear gas going into the carb? Before you do that, check all of your fuel filters. Do you have a manuel? You will need one.

 

[OutforFun]

Re: Boat Not Firing up

Its carburated. I just order one a manual. <br /><br />I don't know if I can see the gas going in, but I sure can smell the gas when it doesn't start.<br /><br />BTW..The boat was serviced in June and they rebuild the carburator and oil/fileters were changed. Also, I believe the previous owner mentioned that they had to change the oil several times in previous years b/c of water getting into the oil.

 

[QC]

Re: Boat Not Firing up

Originally posted by bosredsoxfn:<br />The belts are moving when I turn, but obviously not fully

What does this mean? That they move and then quickly stop?<br /><br />

Originally posted by bosredsoxfn:<br />Also, I believe the previous owner mentioned that they had to change the oil several times in previous years b/c of water getting into the oil.

Doh . . . This may not be a won't start issue . . . <br /><br />Answer the first two questions above please . . .

 

[OutforFun]

Re: Boat Not Firing up

Yes, when I turn the key, I can see that the belts are turning initally, but when it doesn't catch in 2 sec. it just sits there.

 

[QC]

Re: Boat Not Firing up

Originally posted by bosredsoxfn:<br /> Yes, when I turn the key, I can see that the belts are turning initally, but when it doesn't catch in 2 sec. it just sits there.

Does it ever "catch", which I think means start? If not, which is what I believe your original post was about, what happens when you immediately try the key again? Grrrruuuump. Stops turning immediately?

 

[OutforFun]

Re: Boat Not Firing up

yes. it just makes noise like its going to start. after a while I smell gasoline, so I am assuming i've flooded the engine. I hope I am explaining it properly. maybe I should record it this weekend and have you guys hear it by posting it on a website. <br /><br />thanks for your patience.

 

[QC]

Re: Boat Not Firing up

I'm still not sure your answer is clear. Does it keep turning or abruptly stop? Just like your car starter (but hopefully it starts), chn, chn, chn, chn, chn, chn and keeps chning or chn, chn, chn, chn, gruuump.<br /><br />No need to record. Just help us understand if it keeps turning or abruptly stops.<br /><br />I'm saying US, but kinda feeling like I'm floatin' alone here guys. A little help? Or at least encouragement for the sound effects . . .

 

[OutforFun]

Re: Boat Not Firing up

It keeps turning..(or makes that sound over and over) thanks for the sound effects! Believe it or not that helped me understand

 

[SeaSkwurrel]

Re: Boat Not Firing up

Sounds like no spark to the plugs. Maybe a bad coil, bad distributor cap, bad connection. There are ways to test these things, but I don't know the procedures. I'm sure someone here does!

 

[QC]

Re: Boat Not Firing up

Good, that is better than what I was worried about. Water in the oil is really bad and could still be a problem, but that's for another discussion after this thing runs . . .<br /><br />OK, let's start with the start procedure.<br /><br />

<br />

<br /><br />Remember the procedure in the above post this is the first one in the list . . .<br /><br />Searodent , reread above and hang with me here. You may be right, but we just got past cranking.

 

[Don S]

Re: Boat Not Firing up

What do you think guys, doing my best DonS impersonation . . . <br />

Not Bad, Not bad at all. <br />Ya need to work on your attitude a little if you want to be like me......... You're being way too nice

 

[QC]

Re: Boat Not Firing up

Yeah Don, but I saw you accused of being nice just yesterday I think . . .

 

[Jeff Quigley]

Re: Boat Not Firing up

I'm gonna jump in here becuase I had the exact same problem occur with a Merc AlphaOne 5.7 V8. Now first, I must admit that I am not an engine expert. I'll just relay my story.<br /><br />Followed normal ingnition proceedures on day and the motor just wouldn't engage. After several attempts, I knoew it was now flooded as I could smell gas. Thought the day was over. My dockmate had a buddy onboard and he jumped in and checked throttle linkage first and worked up to the carb. He then pulled off the cowl, then the fire retarder (if that's what it's called). He instructed me to put the throtle handle in the wide open position. He opened up the carb's butterflies (if that's what they're called) and told be to turn the key. Vroooom. Started first try and ran fine. He told me to let it run for about 3-5 minutes to ensure that the plugs were dry, shut it down and restart. Again, started with no problems. He also suggested that I might want to replace the plugs with new ones. <br /><br />That's my story. Like I said, I'm not and engine guy - but what do you expect from an Art Director?!<br /><br />Jeff<br />PS. However, these forums are fantastic and have helped me alot this season. Thanks.

 

[OutforFun]

Re: Boat Not Firing up

Thanks for the detailed instructions. I have been following those instructions very carefully but still problems. I will try it again on Sat. morning and let you guys know. Hopefully you guys will be around to answer additional questions.