New to inboards, boat sat for month how to prime or start? Killed batteries trying..

[cptourtown]

Hi, I finally upgraded from a small outboard after years to a 25ft Volvo inboard Cabin Cruiser. Much different. I was hoping to take it out for New Years with the kids but won't start. My fault of letting it not run for the past month and a half due to heavy travel. I am in FL so, heck its 76 out now, so winterizing shouldn't be the issue I was told. I tried to start it as sometimes if it took me two weeks to get back to her, it would take a while. I was told it was due to the fuel pumping up. Well, drained both batteries trying yesterday. Don't want to kill my new starter. Is there a way to prime it or any other suggestions? Has fuel that I bought at Marina so was told ethanol free as well.... Thanks for you help all. :facepalm:

Glastron 249 2005. Motor is a Volvo Penta 5.0L GL Inboard, SX Outdrive.

 

[Bondo]

Re: New to inboards, boat sat for month how to prime or start? Killed batteries tryi

to a 25ft Volvo inboard Cabin Cruiser.

Ayuh,.... Welcome Aboard,....

Volvo has used Many different motors, 'n Many different drives over the last 50 years,...
how 'bout narrowin' down just Exactly what you've got,...
What motor,..??
What drive,..??
What vintage,..??

How 'bout some Serial numbers or the full model alphanumeric name,..??

 

[cptourtown]

Re: New to inboards, boat sat for month how to prime or start? Killed batteries tryi

I am going to haul it home today to give it some TLC. Yeah, I should have provided more info. Boat is a Glastron 249 2005. Motor is a Volvo Penta 5.0L GL Inboard, SX Outdrive. I can get more info once I get it home. Appreciate your help. There has to be a way to choke, prime it or something. I have noticed this to be a tricky boat...

 

[Don S]

Re: New to inboards, boat sat for month how to prime or start? Killed batteries tryi

The choke is automatic, have you tried pumping the throttle a couple of times?

 

[cptourtown]

Re: New to inboards, boat sat for month how to prime or start? Killed batteries tryi

I did try pumping the throttle based on this suggestion. Seems all my attempts sarted to smoke the positive terminal of the new batteries! I had the hatch open to look at it. I did however resolve a trim issue thanks to this forum. The thing still just won't start. I am trying to not call my mechanic as I would like to be able to dig in and fix these things myself. Only way I will learn I know. Any other suggestions appreciated. Starter is 4 months old? Only ran a handful of times since put in... shouldn't be that.

 

[Bondo]

Re: New to inboards, boat sat for month how to prime or start? Killed batteries tryi

Seems all my attempts sarted to smoke the positive terminal of the new batteries!

Ayuh,... yer connections are corroded... Clean 'em to Shiny metal...

 

[Don S]

Re: New to inboards, boat sat for month how to prime or start? Killed batteries tryi

The engine also has to be turning over at normal speed with the starter. If it's real slow, it will never start.

 

[erie_guy]

Re: New to inboards, boat sat for month how to prime or start? Killed batteries tryi

Check the "man overboard" lanyard. It may have been slightly dislodged and causing no spark.

Bondo's advice is always spot-on. Clean both ends of the battery wires to bright metal and reattach. Some battery (conductive) lubricant would stop corrosion in the future.

Recharge both batteries to full charge and try starting again.

Get back to us on what happens . . . hits intermittently, no fire, starts !! YEA!!

You may have to determine if it is a spark problem or a fuel issue.

Best of Luck.
erie_guy
Port Clinton, Oh

 

[ckalupa]

Re: New to inboards, boat sat for month how to prime or start? Killed batteries tryi

Also - are you also stabilizing your fuel? With not running it that much and being gone for extended periods the fuel can go bad. Like lawn mowers and generators that sit and the gas goes bad - just won't start till you add some fresh fuel.

And good batteries with clean connections is also a must.

 

[Volvo Mike]

Re: New to inboards, boat sat for month how to prime or start? Killed batteries tryi

I did try pumping the throttle based on this suggestion. Seems all my attempts sarted to smoke the positive terminal of the new batteries! I had the hatch open to look at it. I did however resolve a trim issue thanks to this forum. The thing still just won't start. I am trying to not call my mechanic as I would like to be able to dig in and fix these things myself. Only way I will learn I know. Any other suggestions appreciated. Starter is 4 months old? Only ran a handful of times since put in... shouldn't be that.

Be aware that if you tried to start it unsuccessfully and cranked it over for some time while it was in the water or with water going to the seawater pump, you run the risk back siphoning water through your exhaust manifolds into your cylinders. May want to pull a spark plug and check for water intrusion so you don't run into rust/hydra lock issues.

 

[Don S]

Re: New to inboards, boat sat for month how to prime or start? Killed batteries tryi

Be aware that if you tried to start it unsuccessfully and cranked it over for some time while it was in the water or with water going to the seawater pump, you run the risk back siphoning water through your exhaust manifolds into your cylinders.

Why would that happen?

 

[cptourtown]

Re: New to inboards, boat sat for month how to prime or start? Killed batteries tryi

Well, it was the starter. I can't believe it! This starter was put on in Sept and I have maybe been out 20 times since then?! My boat guy said they can't handle any water but bilge and all are working fine? Only water this has seen since last use was just washing it down and it ran fine then while flushing it out? No way I thought that was the issue. At least it will be out on the water this weekend though Definitely gave me some good familiarity with my motor. All connections are now pristine from going through them and cleaning them all.