Boat wiring

[Cap'n Knot]

I'm a fairly new boater (2nd summer) and I've probably put 30 hours on it last summer and 10 or so hours this season. Because the 4th is coming (and the boat backfired last time I was out) I wanted to put my best foot forward so I took my boat to the marina to originally have a tuneup but then decided to get a full diagnostic just in case.

They came back with they're not comfortable working on it due to safety reasons. When I asked what the safety reasons were they said the carb was leaking gas, the stereo was connected to the alternator and a "brake line" had been used in place of a gas line.

I have a 1986 4Winns Horizon 196 Sport with a Mercruiser 260. I bought it from an 83 old man who took excellent care of the boat (at least aesthetically: cabin/teak wood/ engine/hull all LOOK like new. While I didn't have a 26 point inspection done before I bought it I did have an auto mechanic with me for the sea test. Everything seemed fine up until now.

My question is, should I be worried about this or is this a cash grab from the marina? Have I really just gotten lucky nothing has happened all the times I've been on the lake?
Sorry so long winded.

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,..... Welcome Aboard,..... The carb obviously needs a rebuild, it shouldn't be leakin', 'n the backfire is usually caused by a lean condition,.....

The stereo hooked to the alternator needs further explanation,....

'n steel brake line is the accepted repair for a gas line, depending on the location,....

I'm gonna move this to the Merc forum, as yer motor is a Mercruiser,....

 

[Scott Danforth]

welcome aboard.

get the carburetor sorted out. leaking carbs lead to boat explosions if not taken care of.

not sure which hack marina you took your boat too.

Rochester carburetors are known to leak at the welsh plugs. also, if the float or needle and seat are bad, they will over-fill the fuel bowl. again, a common issue with marine rochester carburetors.

not sure how anyone can tell the difference of a 3/8" steel tube with a double flare being used for a fuel like (as from the factory) or a 3/8" steel tube with a double flare being used as a brake line? since its the same steel tubes and tube nuts. so you are good there.

the alternator output is also an acceptable point to get 12 volts for the stereo.

if you are fairly handy, can follow directions and have attention to detail, you can repair your own carburetor. get a carburetor kit and a new float, a bucket of carb cleaner. pull the carb apart and go thru it.

 

[achris]

...the alternator output is also an acceptable point to get 12 volts for the stereo.

Not in my world. I have 2 very distinct and separate electrical systems, and for very good reason. One is the electrical system that is 'the engine'. Everything that isn't engine (bilge blowers and pumps, fume detectors, radios, GPS, sounders, nav lights, cabin lights, etc), is on the other system.

The only thing common to both systems is the battery....

Last thing you want it some stoopid stereo fault taking down your engine!

Chris.....

 

[Cap'n Knot]

Thanks! I look forward to learning everything thing I can from you all. And thanks for moving my post to this thread. Still learning to navigate
Because for the first time in almost 10 mos I've taken some time off work I have nothing to do but obsess about what's going on. Up early this morning and I noticed a wet puddle underneath the boat coming from boat drain in the back. It's gas! Would this be the carburetor leaking gas issue?

I ran the boat for about 5 min when I got it home from the marina. I wanted to see if it would backfire. There was a faint gas smell but I attributed it to the fact I stopped and filled up the tank on my way home (never miss an opportunity to fill up if I find it chap).

I'm not going to blame the marina but I store it in the same spot all the time. There has never been a gas puddle before.

 

[Rick Stephens]

You will need to go through every bit of the fuel system and be for sure and for certain you have no leaks. No one can type the answer to that question from afar. Fuel leaks and boats equal bombs. The fuel vapors have no where to go but down into the bilge. Hence why it is the law that you run a bilge blower before starting an inboard boat motor. If there is a leak, even the blower will not clear the vapors and you get ignition.

 

[Cap'n Knot]

You will need to go through every bit of the fuel system and be for sure and for certain you have no leaks. No one can type the answer to that question from afar. Fuel leaks and boats equal bombs. The fuel vapors have no where to go but down into the bilge. Hence why it is the law that you run a bilge blower before starting an inboard boat motor. If there is a leak, even the blower will not clear the vapors and you get ignition.

Thanks for the feedback.

 

[AKJohne]

Brake line, I am assuming this is steel and not a flexible rubber line that would go from axel to wheel?

 

[Cap'n Knot]

Brake line, I am assuming this is steel and not a flexible rubber line that would go from axel to wheel?

Correct

 

[Scott06]

Correct

As pointed out there is no difference between a factory flared line and a universal fit premade auto brake line, assuming it was installed in a workmanship like manner. Strange they didnt reccomend repairs to correct these deficiencies…unless this is their way of saying we only want to work on new stuff…

if you are worried about the stereo just disconnect it.…

the folks here can help you through the carb stuff…