Cold start problems.Fathers day HELP!!

[jonny rotten]

1990 4.3
Trying to get out this weekend...nervous
The motor turns over fine.Cold start almost drains the battery.No throttle ,1/4,full,no start.. have gas to carb.Then out of nowhere it starts?If I shut it off immediately it starts right up(and over and over)still cold.I called my mechanic he said it could be starter solenoid sticking?My other buddy said maybe ignition module.I thought originally it was a fuel problem,but maybe not.ANY IDEAS.Hate to get stuck with the kids.
P.S last weekend I tried to go out.wouldnt start.I trailered to get gas,came home and it fired up.Havent tried since and problems today as stated above
My boat mechanic said if he comes over and it starts right up it would be tough to put a mulimeter on and test...

 

[Bondo]

Re: Cold start problems.Fathers day HELP!!

Ayuh,... My WAGuess is Bad, Corroded wirin',.... Probably a Ground,.....

 

[alldodge]

Re: Cold start problems.Fathers day HELP!!

Once it stars no issues, right? It can be cranked again and again and no issues? How long does it crank? You say it has gas in the carb and when was this checked, before, after or during cranking? Is there a possability that it takes a while to pump the gas to the carb? Weak pump or anti siphone valve?

 

[dingdongs]

Re: Cold start problems.Fathers day HELP!!

a good service like plugs cap etc would be good place to start.A second battery installed is always for added piece of mind especially with children aboard.Bad grounds are always troublesome as well as the main plug at the engine to dash corroding giving bad connections.

 

[jonny rotten]

Re: Cold start problems.Fathers day HELP!!

Once srarted no issues
off on over and over no issues
starts instantly over and over(once started)
Smelt gas when first started cranking,then after workin the throttle and crankin,heavy gas smell and smoke from carb,then unscrewed gas line at carb and had gas.Finally started.
Just went out after two hours sitting-fired up instantly
Last week it started fine originally,after sitting days.The next day no start

 

[jonny rotten]

Re: Cold start problems.Fathers day HELP!!

a good service like plugs cap etc would be good place to start.A second battery installed is always for added piece of mind especially with children aboard.Bad grounds are always troublesome as well as the main plug at the engine to dash corroding giving bad connections.

Plugs were changed 2 weeks ago buy a mobile marine co.It started fine while he was here.(so of course he said I was ready to go.What is the "main plug" I put in a new 50 amp breaker last week

 

[thumpar]

Re: Cold start problems.Fathers day HELP!!

When it won't start pour a little fuel down the throat and see if it fires. If it does you know it is a fuel issue. If not then probably electrical/ignition.

 

[1977 SILVERLINE]

Re: Cold start problems.Fathers day HELP!!

Sounds to me like your carburator is leaking and all the gas that is supposed to stay in the bowls is probably draining into the engine oil. Check the engine oil and see if it is over full or if it smells like gas. Your carb should have a kit installed if this is the case.