Volvo 225E 1986 problems

[Greer]

Back in November I took the boat out for about 5 hours and it was running like a champ,coming home I let boat idle for about 30 to 45 minutes while I feed the seagulls all the old food on the boat . Then I took off and ran at 3400 rpms for 3 miles motor running great backed off to 1/4 throttle and motor died.I changed the coil plugs rotor points and condinser this week Boat started and ran fine let it idle for about 20 min. while I got everything ready then pulled out of slip went about 30 yards then motor quit would not restart, checked gap on points 0.16 ok checked coil ok , put old coil back on nothing put old points back in and condinser and resitor for coil set points at 017k turned key fired up put boat back in slip
Does anyone have any clue to what is going on I tried for 6 hours in November to get boat started with al the the old points and plugs etc. with no luck then I changed coil 1st plugs 2nd then points rotor and cap before I got it started now all old parts are back in and I am afraid to take her out Any suggestions would be helpful.

Thanks
Kelly

1986 2450 Bayliner
Volvo 225e
280 drive

 

[achris]

Re: Volvo 225E 1986 problems

If you're replaced all the ignition components and you still have the problem, start thinking fuel. The only other thing I would be checking is that you actually have 12 volts to the ignition system. Rig up a small test light to the power side of the ballast resistor, if the problem appears again, check the light. No light, no power to the ignition system, troubleshoot to the ignition key. Light on, check for spark. If you have spark, look elsewhere. No spark, troubleshoot what you haven't replaced in the ignition system.

Chris.........

 

[JCF350]

Re: Volvo 225E 1986 problems

Assuming your losing spark. Start checking connections (especially at the ballast). Start with a volt meter on the points side of the coil (you will see the voltage varying here) and work your way back on every connection to the ignition switch itself if your losing voltage.

BTW use a dwell meter to set your points instead of using feeler gauges.

 

[Don S]

Re: Volvo 225E 1986 problems

Sure sounds like water in the fuel to me. Did you check your fuel filter/water seperator for water?

 

[Greer]

Re: Volvo 225E 1986 problems

Don
I have checked the fuel water filters and bypassed with new fuel, I failed to note that while setting the points the ballast restior started to smoke because I forgot to turn the key off leading me to think I have a short in system.I am going down today to check for shorts in system and shake a few wires while engine is running.

 

[Don S]

Re: Volvo 225E 1986 problems

You might want to take a set of points with you. If you left the key on and the BR started smoking, the points were probably closed and are now all burned up. I doubt you have a short. Take a dwell meter and timing light with you also. Setting the gap on points with a feeler gauge is nothing more than a good start, plus, dwell affects timing. So the timing needs checked AFTER you get the dwell set.

 

[Don S]

Re: Volvo 225E 1986 problems

You might want to check the engine harness connector where it hooks up to the cable going forward. Those are noted for corroding and causing loss of power to the engine.

 

[achris]

Re: Volvo 225E 1986 problems

A dead condenser can also cause the problems you've got. Take a new one with you. When I service an old points engine (not many left thank God!) I replace points, rotor, condenser. Merc sell them as a 'tune-up kit', half the price of the components individually.

Chris.............