Engine won't restart

[sjabe]

I have a 1998 Chaparral 2335SS with a 5.7GS Volvo Penta (carburated). Whenever I put the boat in the water the engine starts on the first try, but after crusing and anchoring for a few hours the engine won't restart. Engine runs great with no hesitation, engine temp is okay, fresh tank of gas (no water in fuel). Problem just began recently in the last three consecutive outtings. After many attempts cranking the engine in various throttle position (full open,pumping back/forth, and also neutral) figuring engine might be starved, flooded etc. battery starts draining. Strange thing is that with a battery jump (due to battery being drained from numerous cranks), engine restarts after several (5 to 6) attempts with the throttle in full open position. Its only after crusing,cutting off the engine and letting it sit that this restart problem occurs. <br /><br />Any suggestions to further deduce the problem or any ideas a resolution? <br /><br />thank you very much

 

[tuhuna]

Re: Engine won't restart

It sounds like the engine turns over just fine but does not fire. check the resistor in the ignition coil circuit. May be a problem when hot. Also test the battery voltage. Both before you start the engine and while its running. Should be at least 12vdc not running, and 13 or more while running. hope this helps.

 

[Yepblaze]

Re: Engine won't restart

Sounds to me like it might be an ignition module or a similar electronic component giving out during what is called a hot soak condition. This can occure after shut down as the block and it components get warmer due to no cooling water being circulated.<br /><br />Pull the coil wire during the no start condition and see what the spark looks like if at all.<br /><br />Could even be a ground somewhere that is mariginal.

 

[sjabe]

Re: Engine won't restart

Yepblaze: Thanks for the response. The coil sounds like a possibility, but could it still be possible that the coil is the cause considering that the engine starts up with no problems when cold, maybe the coil gets heated during engine run and has sparking problems on a hot engine restart? Also, how would I go about checking for sparking at the coil

 

[wjones]

Re: Engine won't restart

I have seen elctrical leakage from bad spark plug wires. Try starting the engine after dark and looking for electric sparks on the plug wires. When I have seen it before on a car I couldn't believe it. Looked like a minature lightning storm. Anyway the cost of this test is right. Let me know if you notice anything.<br />Bill

 

[wesal1]

Re: Engine won't restart

I also noticed that you said something about wot to crank. You might have 2 problems. after you get the electical problems fixed you might find out that the motor is also flooding