First launch for an untested engine.

[scrit9mm]

Took the aluminum 14' to the water yesterday. Had the motor running at the house so in theory it should run at the ramp. Well I back down the ramp a little too far and the wind takes the boat off the trailer. I couldnt winch it up because it would beach on the concrete ramp and I could not pull forward for the same reason. So I get wet and walk it to the beach and tie it off. I park the truck and head back down, looking to still salvage the day. I pull on the string and nothing! Of course now it is flooded. I wait... pull it more and nothing. So I go get the truck, walk the boat back to the trailer fighting the wind the whole time, trailer it to a parking spot. The plugs are soaking wet with fuel so I go home. Waisted day!

One thing I am proud of is the ramp was pretty busy and I never held anyone up due to my neglegence.

Next time I will start it in the parking lot!!

 

[tpenfield]

Re: First launch for an untested engine.

Sorry to hear about your tale of woe. . .

. . . It is always good to start the engine with ample water supply, so not sure if you can do that in the parking lot.

 

[River_Lizard]

Re: First launch for an untested engine.

I always bump mine in the prep area before launching, the second I hear it fire I switch it off. I just want to know that I'm not going to be the person blocking the ramp when my motor doesn't fire up.

 

[scrit9mm]

Re: First launch for an untested engine.

I always bump mine in the prep area before launching, the second I hear it fire I switch it off. I just want to know that I'm not going to be the person blocking the ramp when my motor doesn't fire up.

That is what I normally do with the Chris Craft, I should have continued this same procedure with this one.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: First launch for an untested engine.

while just a bump, literally, to see if the battery turns over is fine, running "until it fires" can fry your water pump impeller--it's tight dry rubber against metal in there.

 

[bgc]

Re: First launch for an untested engine.

I had the same experience last year after rebuilding my old Mercury 500. I had run it in the tank for an excessive amount of time and took it to the river to do some breaking in...... Pulled so much I bloodied my hand, embarrassed and really ticked, I loaded up and went home.

I hope you find the cause of the no start and have a successful launch next trip.

 

[SteveMcD]

Re: First launch for an untested engine.

I test my engine before I hitch up while I can still muff it.

 

[Pontoon24]

Re: First launch for an untested engine.

I never crank a motor dry. If it's a small outboard a 5 gallon bucket is all you need.

 

[coreybv]

Re: First launch for an untested engine.

I never crank a motor dry.

I cranked a motor dry ONCE. Later that day I was 5 minutes out from the ramp and overheating. Had to replace the head gasket and have the head planed. Never again. Now I get nervous about even having the key in the ignition if the muffs aren't on.

When my old Merc 140 was having issues I got in the habit of running it on the muffs at home before heading to the lake. Being fortunate enough to only be a 15 minute drive from the ramp the engine was still nice and warmed up when I launched. Fortunately I got the starting problem resolved before I started renting a slip.