I/O Hard to start after engine warms

[cberry2000]

Hi All,

I recently purchased a 66 Allmand boat with inline 6. Starts great but after running for a few going 500 yards thru the no wake zone it became very difficult to restart. It would barely turn over almost like the battery was dead but the battery is brand new and fully charged. It really has a tough time turning it though like there is compression built up. After sitting for 20 minutes it would turn over but very hard to start. This continued to happen until I got it back to the boat ramp. I was thinking it needs a carb rebuild but not sure of that would cause the engine to be hard to turn over.

 

[Kainon]

Re: I/O Hard to start after engine warms

Have you checked the fluid level in the battery?

Have you had a load test done on the battery?

Have you cleaned and tightened the battery/starter/solenoid connections?

How old is the starter? How old is the Solenoid ?

Have you checked the color of the spark plugs?

Have you checked the oil condition ? The inline 6 intake/exhaust manifolds are prone to cracking at the #2/#3 exhaust and can suck in water causing a hydrolock condition.

A bad carb woulnd't cause the engine to crank slowly, but will cause tough starting.

Have you done a compression check on the engine ?

 

[Barnacle_Bill]

Re: I/O Hard to start after engine warms

Especially check the battery cables at both ends. They must be clean and tight. Also look for signs of corrosion around the base of the lugs. They can corrode inside where you can see it. If all checks good, pull the starter and have it checked at your local auto electric shop. It may be binding after it gets hot. They can rebuild it for you if needed. A good way to test the cables is to learn to do a voltage drop test.

 

[Blk-n-Blu]

Re: I/O Hard to start after engine warms

Ignition Timing can also cause warm cranking issues.

 

[cberry2000]

Re: I/O Hard to start after engine warms

Let me get some of the answers to these questions.

The battery cables and battery are new. It starts cold fine. Not elctrical it's something mechanical causing the turn over issue. Some type of pressure build up.

 

[cberry2000]

Re: I/O Hard to start after engine warms

I pulled the plugs and they had a lot of carbon built up on the them and the very end was a bit white.

Checked the cables again they are all ok cleaned and tight.

Also after looking over the motor and discussing with the wife I was curious what it would take to upgrade to a new motor? A remanufactured V6 or something.

Currently it has an old Mercruiser 160 outdrive and the inline 6.

What motors re compatible with that outdrive or would I need a new one? Where is a good place to get crate motors or complete kits?

 

[Silvertip]

Re: I/O Hard to start after engine warms

You are taking a "defeatist" attitude toward this issue. You've not done anything but "look" at things. Answer the questions that have been asked and if something turns up that actually "requires" a new engine, then begin pondering replacement. You do realize engine mounts, plumbing and exhaust changes are all required in addition to the new engine other than the inline six. You have not done a tune up, not rebuilt the carb, not checked compression, apparently not checked the oil for presence of water and the list goes on. All of this stuff is cheap or free to do.

 

[cberry2000]

Re: I/O Hard to start after engine warms

Not at all defeatest my wife was curious what it would take with 4 kids she wanted soemthing safe.

There is no water in the oil. I have checked after running several times.

I purchased new plugs today and dropped off the carb at a repair shop.

I also pulled the fuel filters and replaced them. I purchased the dual battery switch and battery and will be installing that later tonight. While doing this I will be rechecking all the cables again (third time). I will probably be pulling the starter and checking it for operation after getting warm this weekend too. I had to replace the ignition switch because I found a dead spot in it as well. I just don't want to be stranded on the water the first time I take my kids out. I know things will happen on boats especially old ones, but I want to do my part.

What else do you recommend?

 

[sealyons]

Re: I/O Hard to start after engine warms

I had the same problem with a v-8 merc and it ended up being the ignition timing....cheap fix!