Boat Not Firing up

[vipzach]

Re: Boat Not Firing up

So what exactly have you tried so far? Give us details.

 

[QC]

Re: Boat Not Firing up

JeffQ and Bosoxguy,<br /><br />If you look at the first procedure posted above for troubleshooting a no start condition after proper starupt procedure, comes the fuel sight tube then the choke linkage. I am guessing that the fix for JeffQ was the choke linkage, and may come into play for bosox. The troubleshooting procedure is listed in that order so as not to end up guessing, but it is entirely possible that Q's experience will help. Simple enough to give it a try when playing on Saturday.<br /><br />Bosox, <br /><br />Do you know anyone with more engine/mechanical experience than you who could go with you to your boat on Sat? May help speed this up as the sight tube and choke linkage stuff may be more obvious to someone that likes playing with engines

 

[OutforFun]

Re: Boat Not Firing up

I'm hoping a neighbor who knows about engines might be able to see it on Sat.<br /><br />As for Vipzach's question, I have replaced the battery and I am in the process of replacing the spark plugs. If that doesn't work I will take a look at the fuel line etc.

 

[QC]

Re: Boat Not Firing up

Good luck!!!<br /><br />Can you still get in touch with the old owner? That water in the oil thing is troubling. Usually a result of a crack in the block from poor winterizing. You should find out what they did to repair it. They definitely would have had to change the oil, but the issue is where did the water come from and what did they do to fix THAT.

 

[OutforFun]

Re: Boat Not Firing up

I will call the service shop and ask them since they have done all the work.<br /><br />This might be worth mentioning to everyone that when I had the boat running everything ran fine. The only thing I had troubles was initially starting, but once it got started I didn’t have much trouble around the lake. I even turned off the engine and waited 10 sec. and turn it back on b/c I was nervous that I would be stuck out in the lake and that had no problem. However if I wait an hour or so, I would have the same issue starting, until recently when it would not start no matter what starting procedure I used. I typically pumped the throttle 3 times and leave it ¼ forward to start and that usually work.<br /><br />Any thoughts?

 

[Northern Eclipse]

Re: Boat Not Firing up

Does this boat have a Killswitch with a lanyard?

 

[QC]

Re: Boat Not Firing up

Originally posted by Northern Eclipse:<br /> Does this boat have a Killswitch with a lanyard?

Would it crank?

 

[OutforFun]

Re: Boat Not Firing up

Yes it has a kill switch with a lanyard. <br /><br />It did crank before.

 

[OutforFun]

Re: Boat Not Firing up

Ok, this morning I did the following:<br /><br />Put the new spark plug only on the 1st one b/c I couldn’t get the others off.<br />I checked the lanyard to ensure that it is on, clicking it back and forth<br />I also checked the wires to make sure they were clean to the starter coil and distributor<br /><br />This time I pumped the throttle 4 times to ensure there is enough gas and put the it ¼ forward<br /><br />The boat started up with little hesitation but not much. After a while I turned the key off and started the boat from the neutral position. However, if I wait an hour I have to pump it 4 times to start it with little hesitation. Does anyone see why it wasn’t starting before? Thanks all for the suggestions. I‘ve learn a lot.

 

[Don S]

Re: Boat Not Firing up

Have you ever operated anything with a carburator and choke before? Cars/trucks have been using EFI for so long many younger people just plain don't know how to start something with a carb.<br />You need also need to check the automatic choke. If it's adjusted too loose, it will be harder to start when cold, too tight and it will flood and not keep running.<br />Starting and trying to run an engine with a carb until it warms up is almost impossible. Especially with a 3.0L.

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Boat Not Firing up

Because you were flooding it. Four pumps may be too much. I think your choke may need adjustment, maybe. Also carburated engines need a little tlc to get them started. I think that you need get to know how to start it under various conditions, hot, cold, etc. Which comes with experience. People get so accustomed to efi that they forget what it was like to 'start the old Dodge'. JeffQ's procedure will most likely work should this dilemma happen on the water. Be prepared with the right tools......J

 

[OutforFun]

Re: Boat Not Firing up

Thanks everyone for the helpful hints. <br /><br />This may be a stupid question but where is the automatic choke so I can adjust it.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Boat Not Firing up

This may be a stupid question but where is the automatic choke so I can adjust it.

Truthfully,........... After reading this thread,.......... <br />

Put the new spark plug only on the 1st one b/c I couldn’t get the others off.<br />I checked the lanyard to ensure that it is on, clicking it back and forth<br />I also checked the wires to make sure they were clean to the starter coil and distributor<br />

You'll be saving a Ton of Money,...........<br />If You Never go Near your driveline with a Tool in Your Hand............... <br /><br />Unfortunately,.............<br />You're Already in Way Over Your Head............

 

[Wellcraft 89]

Re: Boat Not Firing up

Bondo Quite Harsh ! but true.<br />I've seen people become very good at mechanics over time though!<br /><br />We are here to help not discourage<br />Rich

 

[Bondo]

Re: Boat Not Firing up

I'm Sorry,..........<br /><br />But,.....<br />I've been accused before of being Too Blunt, to the Point,+ Brutally Honest................ <br /><br />What could be a Simple $100.00 Tune-Up,........<br />Could Easily Escalate to a Total Melt Down with someone just Poking Around..............

 

[SeaTrek]

Re: Boat Not Firing up

I agree with Bondo, this guy has supposedly got a manual for the engine, can't get the other 3 s/plugs out and doesn't know where the choke is on the side of the carb???<br />I can just envision after playing around with the electrical a loud BANG when he floods the motor again while trying to get it started and forgetting to turn on the bilge blowers.<br />