Engine not starting

[caleth]

So, I bought a 1973 Chrysler Courier last week. Engine worked fine in test run. Took it out on lake, followed the instructions regarding the oil/fuel mix (1 ounce per gallon). The boat ran well for about 20 mins, then a buzzing alarm went off. At least I believe it now to be an alarm and not simply the horn shorting out which is what we thought at the time. We continued to run the boat (after disconnecting the "horn") for about an hour. There was white smoke at one point, but it dissipated. Upon returning to the dock, the engine stopped. Thinking it was a battery issue, I bought a new one. When I turn the ignition key, the engine clicks but does not turn over.

After doing a little research on here, I believe the buzzing was an indication of too little oil or too much?? Any thoughts? And more importantly, how do I fix it?

Any help for this first time boat owner would be much appreciated.

 

[steelespike]

Re: Engine not starting

Buzzing was a warning of too little oil.Proper fuel mix is 2.6 ozs per gallon.The motor may be seized.Probably big bucks to fix.
Pull the plugs You should be able to turn the flywheel by hand if not then it is seized.Next step would be to pull the head and have a look for scoring on the cylinder walls.
Warning horn could have been an over heat alarm but the motor is still has
the same problem with the exception the bearings may still be ok.
I ran a motor at 100:1 (1.6 ozs)for half a season until my son took it to ski.$900 for a piston, boring and bearings.Motor wasn't seized.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Engine not starting

You do not say what engine you have so I will assume it is around a 73 Chrysler.
Chryslers required 1 pint oil per 6 gallons gasoline.
Chrysler engines did not have an oil alarm. What you disconnected was the overheat indicator alarm.
White smoke issuing from the Idle relief at the back of the engine is indicative of damage due to overheating. That coupled with 1/2 the oil needed is not good.
I am sorry to tell you that in all probability the engine needs major repair work--most likely replacing all pistons and overboring all cylinders. There is a good chance that the con rods and crank are also damaged given the lean oil ratio.

You really won't know until you at least take off the head and see piston and cylinder condition though.

If you can do the work yourself, the cost of repairs won't be too bad unless the crank and rods are bad. If that is the case, you are better off trying to find a used Chrysler or Force engine. The cost of the engine will be less than the cost of repairing yours and it will bolt right up to your transom --electrical and controls are the same or similar.