Gas/Starting Issue possible cause

[scott&kellie]

I took my toon out today just me and my son. this is the first time that I've taken a boat out on my own w/o a seasoned vet aka my father. with that said, here's the issue. at the boat landing i primed the ball till she was hard, turn right over no problem (i'm a happy camper). drove out about 1/2 mile off shore anchored in a good spot for fishing, sat there for about 30 mins no bites so we pulled anchor boat wouldn't start i felt the primer ball and it was not firm at all, i gave it a few squeezes till hard turn the key and chocked it and she turned over. next spot after no bites i put the boat in not sure of the right term but high rev gear (pushed the button put the throttle all the way forward) turned the key and it wouldn't start, went back and the primer ball was limp gave it a few squeezes and she turned over. my question is other than the obvious of it not starting like it wouldnt today the primer vall looks fairly new from the outside that is, is there any other way to verify this before i go and replace it? thanks. oh by the way the water was fantastic till the rain came in i got off the water just in time before she opened up and i got to see a good friend of mine retire from the Navy at the same camp site launch site..... great day by all...
Scott

 

[MH Hawker]

Re: Gas/Starting Issue possible cause

Yes their is, the primer bulb has a anti siphon valve in it to keep the fuel in the line, pump it up till its hard and take it lose at the motor disconnect and place the fuel line in a higher position than the tank and give it a bit then reconnect to the motor and see what it feels like. Odds are thats the problem its a common replacment item.

 

[scott&kellie]

Re: Gas/Starting Issue possible cause

Thanks MH Hawker... $21 mix from west marine....

 

[MH Hawker]

Re: Gas/Starting Issue possible cause

its a good place to start, its suposto hold the fuel in the line and motor up to the needle valve in the carbs while the motor is shut off.

 

[a1nowell]

Re: Gas/Starting Issue possible cause

Scott,
I really can't help with the starting problem but I would like to make a suggestion about something I found out the hard way.

About 6 years ago a neighbor and I were out fishing, tied up to a stump. We untied and I went to start the motor and the battery as dead as a doornail. I called Boats US for a tow back to the dock. I told them where I was located on Lake Conroe, Texas and they said they would be there in 30 minutes. After the call, we waited, and had drifted 50 yards from the neareat stump(no anchor on board at the time), the wind came up and started to push us furthur down the lake. Long story short, we were more than a mile away from where I first made the call. (thank God for cell phones) Soooo, new rule on my boat, No untying or pulling up anchor until the motor has been started.

Just my $0.02.

Thanks,

Larry

 

[MH Hawker]

Re: Gas/Starting Issue possible cause

yes that is a very good rule one I have followed it for many years

 

[scott&kellie]

Re: Gas/Starting Issue possible cause

I must say that after the first time she wouldn't start i was a little worried the next time no anchor was pulled. and I do carry my cell phone on the boat with me... that was a must since i don't have a radio onboard (yet).....

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Gas/Starting Issue possible cause

The fuel line cannot siphon fuel out of the carb since the inlet to the carb as well as the needle and seat are above the level of the fuel. Even with the fuel line disconnected the engine should start on the fuel that's in the float bowl. I suspect you need to simply learn the proper use of the primer/enrichener system as well as proper use of the fast idle lever. You push in on the key while cranking to give the engine the extra fuel it needs. Once pressurized, it is very normal for the primer bulb to go soft after the engine starts because fuel is being drawn through it, not forced through it.