Just won't start. Volvo penta AQ125A

[eyezaiah]

I have a 84 bayliner capri with a volvo AQ125A engine. last year I had a full tune up. Cap, rotor, plugs, wires etc. The engine ran fine all season. This year ran fine until just recent. The boat started o.k. but it kept trying to stall out. I started it again let it run and gave it a little throttle to keep the engine running for a minute just to warm it up a bit. As I gave the engine more gas to go the engine would bog down if I eased off the throttle the engine idled normaly. I eased down on the throttle to keep the engine from shutting off until I could give it full throttle. after driving around for 5-10 minutes to a spot to fish, it ran normally. I shut the engine down and fished for a couple hours. when it was time to go couldn't get it to start. I didn't want to cook the started to I tried every 10 minutes. Kept smelling gas to I figured that I just flooded it. So I sat over an hour started it up and it ran for all of 10 seconds at idle then it shut off. I haven't been able to get it to start since. I'm not even sure where to start. ignition coil? it seems to be getting gas o.k. I removed the plugs and they were damp with gas. I let then dry out and put them back in. no luck. still won't start. I removed one plug and put it back into the boot from its wire and held it close to the block to see if there was any spark. I didn't see any. was this a good thing to do? Thank you for all who take the time to reply.<br />Eyezaiah...........

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: Just won't start. Volvo penta AQ125A

Hi Eyezaiah,<br /><br />The 'no spark' issue needs to be investigated further. You should see a clean bluey 'crack'(insert cracking noise here). Points, condenser and coil need to be checked and replaced if needed. I'm thinking coil (intermittent fault). <br /><br />Quote: [I removed one plug and put it back into the boot from its wire and held it close to the block to see if there was any spark. I didn't see any. was this a good thing to do? ]<br /><br />Despite the obvious dangers - everyone does it. Just use common sense, if you have fuel vapors about don't do it until all is clear.<br /><br />Aldo

 

[steve n carol]

Re: Just won't start. Volvo penta AQ125A

10-4 the [insert cracking noise], it gave me a laugh thanks Aldo!

 

[eyezaiah]

Re: Just won't start. Volvo penta AQ125A

Is there a way I can test the ignition coil? ohm reading with a meter? I checked the two wires that are there for the (+,-) with my voltmeter and read 12vdc when I turned the key to the on position. I had a shop tune it up last year. They replaced plugs, wires, cap, rotor, points the whole nine. <br />Question about the plugs. If they get wet with gasoline will they not work again. I'm sure that i've flooded the engine a few times trying to get it to start.

 

[eyezaiah]

Re: Just won't start. Volvo penta AQ125A

Is there a way I can test the ignition coil? ohm reading with a meter? I checked the two wires that are there for the (+,-) with my voltmeter and read 12vdc when I turned the key to the on position. I had a shop tune it up last year. They replaced plugs, wires, cap, rotor, points the whole nine. <br />Question about the plugs. If they get wet with gasoline will they not work again. I'm sure that i've flooded the engine a few times trying to get it to start. Thanks again.

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: Just won't start. Volvo penta AQ125A

Disconnect the coil wires, connect your OHM meter to the two small terminals (+ & -). OHMs should be 0.75 to 0.81. Connect one lead to the coil tower connection and the other lead to the small neg. OHMs should be 10,000 to 11,000. Heat up the coil with a hairdryer and do the tests again. Post your results.<br /><br />Check and clean your points, point gap is 16 thou. (.40mm). Using a dwell meter is more accurate, 62 deg. + or - 3 deg. Use a non residual cleaner like brakleen to clean the point surface.<br /><br />If the plugs are not worn don't worry.<br /><br />Good luck.<br /><br />Aldo

 

[eyezaiah]

Re: Just won't start. Volvo penta AQ125A

First I would like to say thanks for all your time, help and knowledge. <br />I'm reading .9-1 ohms at the (+ & -) terminals cold. 7,000 ohms from the coil tower to the small neg.<br /><br />heated coil: 1-1.2 ohms and 7,400 ohms<br />11-12 volts across the (+ & -) terminals at key on.<br /><br />not sure about points first time I've had to deal with them. Don't know much about them. They were recently replaced (last year) with the tune up. <br />Some soot on the plugs. the shop I took my boat to put in champion plugs. I'm also trying to understand how the voltage works on a points set up. actually the whole points set up. hope the internet yields some information for me. I will clean the points.<br />Thanks again.

 

[alpolo]

Re: Just won't start. Volvo penta AQ125A

Try timing belt. It may be worn off and is slipping (or tension). Make sure that timing belt wheel (the one with the notches) is not too rusty, because this will cause timing belt to slip.

 

[eyezaiah]

Re: Just won't start. Volvo penta AQ125A

what does your coil ready alpolo?<br />you have the same motor and set up?<br />no rust there. belt seems tight. is that a tensioner pully that sits there. the belt dosen't have any cracks on it seems to be in good shape.<br />how can I tell if it has slipped?

 

[eyezaiah]

Re: Just won't start. Volvo penta AQ125A

(Volvo 270) Since I'm OOC right now does anyone know how to change the oil on the outdrive? how often should I change it? Trying to make sure I grease all of the fittings that I find don't know where they are all located.<br />how do you change the motor oil since the oil pan plug is on the bottom of the motor? (almost impossible to touch much less put a wrench on it)<br />Thanks for all the knowledge.<br /><br />by the way.......Do you have any manuals or documents on your engine Alpolo?

 

[eyezaiah]

Re: Just won't start. Volvo penta AQ125A

Dunaruna I recently checked the posts and found similar problems to mine. that led me to check the voltage with the key on and with the key turned to a point where the engine would start. <br />11.5 volts at key on. 8.5 volts while key position was at a point where the engine would start.

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: Just won't start. Volvo penta AQ125A

Sorry I didn't reply earlier, got lost in the crowd .<br /><br />Your coil test readings are all over the shop, change it. Even if its firing with those readings they are too far from ideal, time for a new one.<br /><br />Next you need to check your points & condenser, they are cheap to buy, if it was me I would replace them and be done with it. Some people spend hrs cleaning and regapping and then still not sure if its o/k. Why bother for pocket change.<br /><br />I don't think the problem is a related to voltage feed to the coil but heres how to test it, ignition 'on' & points closed - 8 to 9 volts (coil +). With points open - battery voltage (12v). When you are 'cranking' the voltage will be whatever the battery is supplying taking into account the starter motor drain. Holding the key inbetween 'on' & 'crank' is no mans land, I've never needed to try that unless I suspect a faulty ignition switch.<br /><br />Finally, if you are not familiar with all this or not confident to tackle it then take it back to the guy who did the tune, I've had situations were I've changed a faulty set of points for a customer, takes 5 minutes, no charge and everyones happy. You may be pleasantly surprised. <br /><br />Aldo

 

[eyezaiah]

Re: Just won't start. Volvo penta AQ125A

Thanks a mil!! I'll give it a try wish me luck and pray for me. <br />fair winds and calm seas.

 

[eyezaiah]

Re: Just won't start. Volvo penta AQ125A

Dunaruna,<br />I went and pick'd up a new coil and did the ohm check on it and it read nearly the same as the old one. Very little differnce between the two.<br />my points and condenser were replaced a year ago do you think they would be bad already?<br />do you know How I could test the points/condenser with out a feeler gauge and dwell meter?<br />thanks again for your time and help.

 

[doman]

Re: Just won't start. Volvo penta AQ125A

if your worried about points and condenser just reaplce them it wont hurt they its only few bux <br />maybe they are burnt ..<br /><br /><br />Dom

 

[katefh]

Re: Just won't start. Volvo penta AQ125A

Try checking the mechanical timing of the engine, just to eliminate a mechanical problem before you sink a lot of time and money into electrical components. It does sound more like an ignition problem, but it only takes a few minutes to check the timing marks against the rotor position. Take out #1 plug, run it up to the firing point on the compression stroke (the timing marks on the pulley will line up). check that the rotor points to the correct plug wire tower on the cap(mark it on the distributor wall). You don't even really need to pull the plug - you will either be on #1 firing or exactly 180deg out. You probably can find more detailed instructions in your engine shop manual. <br />PS I scrapped the whole points mess and replaced my ignition with a solid state unit. Best $90 I have spent on the boat. Quick and easy DIY project and the boat runs and starts 100% better

 

[calwldlif]

Re: Just won't start. Volvo penta AQ125A

Hi<br />Condensors can be checked with ohms meter, should be 0, Shows not open.<br />If you place your crank timing marks at the <br />Correct before top dead center mark(basic timing<br />amount, say 6 to 8 deg) making sure it is on the proper compression stroke for no 1 then loosen<br />distributor hold down. Pull coil wire and loosely<br />place back in (leave a gap so you can see, hear<br />spark. A test light connected to the point side of dist and ground will light when points closed.<br />Now twist dist back and forth opening and closing<br />points, with key on you should hear see spark.<br />If there is spark you can use the test light to set timing by turning dist to the light on light off pos. tighten dist down. base timing is now set.<br />Leading to a fuel, prob.<br />If no spark check wires for volts, shorts.<br />You can hot wire the coil from the bat taking the <br />key cuircut out of the equation.<br />good luck

 

[eyezaiah]

Re: Just won't start. Volvo penta AQ125A

Thanks To Everyone ( a little extra for Dunaruna) who took the time out to reply. The coil was replaced and it started right up. Noticed that the coil was getting almost to hot to touch just from starting the engine 2-3 times at 5-10 sec key hold time to start the motor. So I took the advice and purchased a coil. The knowledge that was posted will all be put to good use. This is my first boat and all of the knowledge shared was is valuable to me and appreciated. I will be adding it to my "book" of info for my boat. Thank you all!!!!!<br />BTW anyone know of a good solid state ignition system I can use to replace my points set up?<br /><br />Fair winds and Calm seas................

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: Just won't start. Volvo penta AQ125A

Well done!<br /><br />The pertronix electronic ignition is popular in boats but I don't know if its available for the AQ125, try here:<br /><br /> http://www.pertronix.com <br /><br />Aldo

 

[eyezaiah]

Re: Just won't start. Volvo penta AQ125A

Another problem.<br />the initial problem is back. Starts up fine, when I put the drive in gear it still runs fine. If i give it any throttle 1/4 for example the engine hesitates and stalls. I can cruise around at walk speed all day no problems. I do notice that the exhaust smells. When I pulled the plugs they are sooty. Not sure If I am getting to much gas or to little. If I keep giving it throttle and pulling back just before it dies out I can get it to go. once I get up to wot the engine seems to be holding back the power and rms that I usually hear(since my tach is broken i hear)Do I need a carb cleaning/rebuild/fuel pump. I've seen so many people from the posts that this problem can be a pain in the neck. Looking for a systematic way to eliminate the problem. Thanks again all for your knowledge.