Volvo Sterndrive starting problem

[Coconuts]

Hey Guys,

I have a '95 Wellcraft bow rider with Volvo stern drive (5.8L with the Holly 4 barrel, mechanical fuel pump). I've been having a problem starting her up after a few weeks of non-use. Problem seems to slowly be getting worst.

Usually she will eventually start after a few minutes of trying. This time, no go. I pulled the flame arrestor and could barely detect any fuel smell. I went to the store and got some ether and sprayed down the carb for 3 seconds as directed. She started right up. As always, she ran great for the next few days with quick start ups, smooth idle and nice acceleration.

Any ideas where I can start trouble shooting. Choke adjustment, float adjustment, fuel pump? Is the float bowl drying up after not being used for a few weeks?

 

[Maclin]

Re: Volvo Sterndrive starting problem

The fuel bowl could be draining down. It should fill back in within 10-15 seconds, enough to start anyway. Ether is too dry and will wipe the oil from the cylinder walls, need to avoid that. The reason it started after the ether is that is it was runnning at enough rpm for the fuel pump to overcome any problems it may have or problems between it and the tank.

If this procedure does not work for a carbed engine then the tank is empty or there are problems from the tank to the carb or the carb inlet itself....:

1.) Pump twice and leave at 1/8-1/4 throttle. Crank for 10 seconds or until it fires.

2.) If it dies the first time move the throttle to "zero" then crank one more time for 10 seconds then stop and wait a few seconds to let the starter cool.

3.) Pump throttle once and leave at 1/8-1/4 throttle and crank for 10 seconds or until it fires.

4.) If it does not stay running then repeat 2 and 3, be sure to wait the few seconds in between cranks to be nice to the starter.



Some problems between the tank and the fuel pump and then carb include:

• Anti-siphon valve at top of fuel tank sticking.
• Fuel line or fittings from tank to filter cracked and letting air in foiling the suction.
• Water separating Fuel filter clogged some or has large amount of trapped water.
• Fuel tank vent blocked, usually would let the pump get some fuel in before it vacuum locks.
• Problem with fuel pump itself.

 

[Don S]

Re: Volvo Sterndrive starting problem

Sounds a lot like the accelerator pump in the carb isn't working.
Disconnect the throttle cable, remove the flame arrester. With engine off, look into carb and operate throttle lever. You should see two solid streams of fuel spay into the carb. If not, you have accelerator pump problems.

PS: Do not use either, unless you want to loose an engine.
You can prime the engine by pouring a little gas in the carb, just don't use either (starting fluid)

 

[Coconuts]

Re: Volvo Sterndrive starting problem

Good stuff guys, I'll start with the easy stuff like the fuel filter and try to get it trouble shooted next weekend. I guess I can eliminate the accelerator pump being the problem if after I get her running, I shut her down and then open up the throttle and see the fuel squirting. Then that would limit it to a fuel supply/pressure problem.

Thanks for the tip on the ether. I'm suprised Gunk is still selling it if it can damage a motor. Has ethanol been reeking havoc on fuel systems on older boats? I know there was much discussion a few years back.

 

[Maclin]

Re: Volvo Sterndrive starting problem

Ethanol seems to work as a solvent in the tank and stir some junk up at first, then once it filters out thru a couple of filter changes it is usually ok. Depends on where you buy it as well. Marina tanks seem to have the most chances of water and gunk contamination. Buy your fuel at a busy place and your luck with it should be better.

Your accelarator pump is probably ok since your desciption included "nice acceleration", that is why I went straight to the dry fuel bowl theory. If your carb's accelerator pump was acting up you would have hesitation during initial acceleration and not be very happy with it even after it started.

I would start with the filter, then look at the anti-siphon valve next if it still happens severely. Sometimes those valves are casualties of the extra junk that the Gasoline+Ethanol=Solvent reaction stirs up.