newbie - need help tracing a starting problem

[mtfoyre]

Hey all. I just bought a 21' 1968 Thompson with either one of two engines:<br /><br />Original 283 c.i. V-8<br /><br />or<br /><br />Aftermarket 327 c.i. V-8<br /><br />Please, don't bash me because I'm not certain. I was told it was a 327 when I bought it, but after staring at the manuals (still got 'em) I've realized the guy I bought it from may have been misinformed (he was the 2nd owner but for only a year; I the 3rd).<br /><br />Anyway, on to the issue. I had the boat out on our first outing Saturday. After about 45 minutes of being underway the engine died abruptly. It would crank but would not fire. I ended up getting a tow back to the ramps.<br /><br />The next day before trailering her to storage I was looking for anything that would clue me into what happened. Nothing obvious presented itself, so I decided to try firing her again. Turned right over...didn't even need to choke it!<br /><br />What things should I check for in a case such as this? I have found some wiring with less than enough insulation that could have grounded against the block keeping it from starting, but I'm unsure.<br /><br />FYI, I'm mechanically inclined, but haven't been around boats much for 10 years or so. I also am only moderately familiar with the innards of carb'd motors. <br /><br />Also, it may have the wrong prop because RPMs never got about 3k at full throttle and she never did plane out. I don't know if that matters or not, but I thought it should be thrown out there.<br /><br />Thanks in advance!!!

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: newbie - need help tracing a starting problem

Welcome Aboard D.Davis,<br />The first thing i would check is the fuel filter and water seperator filter if it has one.<br />How old is the gas in it? any idea?<br />If possible drain what you can out of the fuel tank and look for water or dirt in the fuel.<br />The fact that it never got over 3000 rpm is probably from the stalling problem not the prop.<br />You have to get it running good before even thinking about prop changes.<br />I would pull the spark plugs and spin the engine over to see if any water is in the cylinders.<br />Also the condition of the plugs can tell you a good deal about whats going on inside the engine.<br />Check for water in the oil also..<br />Post what you find and we will be glad to help..

 

[mtfoyre]

Re: newbie - need help tracing a starting problem

Thanks, Gary H. That's what I need is an idea where to start in this process.<br /><br />I will check both those filters (I believe both are present).<br /><br />As far as I know, the fuel is only a month old or so at best. The fellow I bought it from said he'd only recently put about $100 of fuel in it and I topped it off before heading to the lake.<br /><br />A buddy of mine was there inspecting it with me and did noticed a rather large crack in the hot wire from the battery. I think this Saturday I'll try to rewire as much as I can.<br /><br />After I get it back home from storage this weekend I'll post an update to what I found. In the meantime, if anyone wants to post other tips they'll be greatly appreciated.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: newbie - need help tracing a starting problem

I would go ahead and replace those filters..never hurts anyway.<br />Re-wire what you see bad.<br />Even though the fuel is good that was put in you never know what kind of crud is in the tank..<br />A can of SeaFoam in the tank never hurts either..