Engine will not start?

eye spy · 10-16-2008, 10:21 PM

If you have boat out of water call All Boat Repair in Belmont 267-7223.

See if you can take it over to him for repair, had same problem with my Glastron 4.3 this summer and was fix for less than 100.00. give him a try.

bigdog · 10-19-2008, 08:56 PM

Hi Folks,

Haven't been able to work on engine for last 2 weeks.
Back on track!

First thing I'll do is check for spark at plug. If I get spark, will then check fuel supply.

If my fuel pump (Electric),is not pumping fuel, do you think I could perform a quick check to confirm by disconnecting fuel line to Carb, and placing a small
container under fuel line (to catch any fuel), and have a partner crank engine quickly once, to check that fuel is pumping to Carb? Or would this be too dangerous? Sounds a little like a 'Rube Goldberg' plan, but I don't what to go
'KA-BOOM' in the process !

All I want to do is confirm that I am pumping fuel.
Would you know of another way to test, if the fuel pump is working?

Again, first thing I'll do is check for spark before proceeding any further.

Thanks,
Bigdog

bigdog · 10-19-2008, 09:20 PM

Back again.....

Forgot to mention some of the symtoms.....

I can seem to crank the engine all day but seems like it doesn't even try to start? I pump my throttle handle a 5-6 times first, but nothing.

What bothers me is that I don't even smell any gas, even after continued starting and pumping> I would think I would smell gas, especially if I flooded the engine after repeated attemps to start?

Also, 'Cal' mentioned, the 'Safety lanyard clip'. My lanyard is not attached, to the switch other then when I'm on water. This safety 'lever-switch '(Start/Stop), is located just beneath the throttle handle.
I have checked this, and it is in the 'start' position.

Could there be a problem with this switch inside? If this switch is not working propperly, you'd never start the engine. You could crank all day with no effect. This Safety Lanyard switch, may also control or cutout the fuel supply, as well as the electrical output to the 'starter motor, coil, Distributor', etc.

Thoughts?

Woodsy · 10-20-2008, 01:59 PM

KISS.... Keep it simple!

There is no fuel cutoff... its all done by killing the spark. Being able to smell gasoline in a boat is NEVER a good thing! Make sure your hatch is up and your bilge blower is on when performing ALL tests!

Before you go off on a tangent...

1. Check for SPARK! You can crank all day but if there is no spark there will be NO ignition. If no spark then you gotta start tracing the problem back.

2. If there is spark, then check for fuel... the easiest way to do this is with a can of starting fluid... if the engine tries to start on the starting fluid then the problem is fuel related....

3. Check your safety lanyard again... wiggle the switch and try to start in both positions...

4. If you have no spark, wiggle your throttle in and out of gear... check to see that your outdrive is indeed in neutral! (you should be able to spin your propeller by hand in BOTH directions! Its entirely possible that your neutral safety switch has failed or is out of adjustment, rendering the engine inoperable... (prob not the issue as they usually prevent the engine from turning over at all, but I thought it was worth mentioning)

5. Check your key switch... make sure all of the connections are tight.

I am sure its something pretty simple... 90% of the time it is!

Woodsy

bigdog · 10-23-2008, 09:22 PM

Hi Folks,

Thought I'd report back on my results.....

I never got to check for 'spark'...nobody around to assist.....

Anyway, I decided to take Woodsy's last suggestions....

I noticed the iginition swich was sticking when I turned the key, so I sprayed a little WD40 on key an into switch.

I then disconnected the 3 wires that connect to the back of the switch. I suspect one is POS the other Ground, not sure about the third but looks like it goes to the alarm control (Mercruiser). Cleaned off terminals then put wire connections back on.

Checked the 'Lanyard' swithc, moved up and down a few times, seemed OK.

Then 'wiggled' throttle handle to make sure it was in neutral.

I then cranked engine over, and VRRRRRRRRRRRROM engine started,
I ran it for a few minutes, then shut off. I then started again without any issues.

Know I don't know what the actual problem might have been ? Could have been sticking ignition switch on dash? Could have been 'Lanyard' switch not closing properly, or could have been throttle not exactly in in neutral ?
Could have been Sun Spot flareups for all I know !

I guess the expression 'KISS' applies here, think basics. Lessons learned !

Anyway, problem solved. Whew ! Going to winterize and put boat to bed for the winter this weekend.

Can't thank everyone enough for all their input, much appreciated !

Bigdog

robmac · 10-24-2008, 08:33 AM

Glad it all worked out for you without expensive repair cost. Funny how a little bit of corrosion can muck up the works. On your ignition contacts I'd recommend a little dielectric grease to prevent that corrosion from returning to quickly.

Audiofn · 10-27-2008, 07:47 AM

Three wires on the back of your ignition are

Power from the battery/motor

Ignition

Crank

10-19-2008, 08:56 PM	#2
bigdog Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Central MA-Gilford Posts: 1,452 Thanks: 347 Thanked 124 Times in 98 Posts	Engine will not start? Hi Folks, Haven't been able to work on engine for last 2 weeks. Back on track! First thing I'll do is check for spark at plug. If I get spark, will then check fuel supply. If my fuel pump (Electric),is not pumping fuel, do you think I could perform a quick check to confirm by disconnecting fuel line to Carb, and placing a small container under fuel line (to catch any fuel), and have a partner crank engine quickly once, to check that fuel is pumping to Carb? Or would this be too dangerous? Sounds a little like a 'Rube Goldberg' plan, but I don't what to go 'KA-BOOM' in the process ! All I want to do is confirm that I am pumping fuel. Would you know of another way to test, if the fuel pump is working? Again, first thing I'll do is check for spark before proceeding any further. Thanks, Bigdog

10-19-2008, 09:20 PM	#3
bigdog Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Central MA-Gilford Posts: 1,452 Thanks: 347 Thanked 124 Times in 98 Posts	Engine will not start Back again..... Forgot to mention some of the symtoms..... I can seem to crank the engine all day but seems like it doesn't even try to start? I pump my throttle handle a 5-6 times first, but nothing. What bothers me is that I don't even smell any gas, even after continued starting and pumping> I would think I would smell gas, especially if I flooded the engine after repeated attemps to start? Also, 'Cal' mentioned, the 'Safety lanyard clip'. My lanyard is not attached, to the switch other then when I'm on water. This safety 'lever-switch '(Start/Stop), is located just beneath the throttle handle. I have checked this, and it is in the 'start' position. Could there be a problem with this switch inside? If this switch is not working propperly, you'd never start the engine. You could crank all day with no effect. This Safety Lanyard switch, may also control or cutout the fuel supply, as well as the electrical output to the 'starter motor, coil, Distributor', etc. Thoughts?

10-20-2008, 01:59 PM	#4
Woodsy Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Weirs Beach Posts: 1,968 Thanks: 80 Thanked 980 Times in 440 Posts	KISS.... Keep it simple! There is no fuel cutoff... its all done by killing the spark. Being able to smell gasoline in a boat is NEVER a good thing! Make sure your hatch is up and your bilge blower is on when performing ALL tests! Before you go off on a tangent... 1. Check for SPARK! You can crank all day but if there is no spark there will be NO ignition. If no spark then you gotta start tracing the problem back. 2. If there is spark, then check for fuel... the easiest way to do this is with a can of starting fluid... if the engine tries to start on the starting fluid then the problem is fuel related.... 3. Check your safety lanyard again... wiggle the switch and try to start in both positions... 4. If you have no spark, wiggle your throttle in and out of gear... check to see that your outdrive is indeed in neutral! (you should be able to spin your propeller by hand in BOTH directions! Its entirely possible that your neutral safety switch has failed or is out of adjustment, rendering the engine inoperable... (prob not the issue as they usually prevent the engine from turning over at all, but I thought it was worth mentioning) 5. Check your key switch... make sure all of the connections are tight. I am sure its something pretty simple... 90% of the time it is! Woodsy __________________ The only way to eliminate ignorant behavior is through education. You can't fix stupid.

10-23-2008, 09:22 PM	#5
bigdog Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Central MA-Gilford Posts: 1,452 Thanks: 347 Thanked 124 Times in 98 Posts	Engine won't start - SOLVED! Hi Folks, Thought I'd report back on my results..... I never got to check for 'spark'...nobody around to assist..... Anyway, I decided to take Woodsy's last suggestions.... I noticed the iginition swich was sticking when I turned the key, so I sprayed a little WD40 on key an into switch. I then disconnected the 3 wires that connect to the back of the switch. I suspect one is POS the other Ground, not sure about the third but looks like it goes to the alarm control (Mercruiser). Cleaned off terminals then put wire connections back on. Checked the 'Lanyard' swithc, moved up and down a few times, seemed OK. Then 'wiggled' throttle handle to make sure it was in neutral. I then cranked engine over, and VRRRRRRRRRRRROM engine started, I ran it for a few minutes, then shut off. I then started again without any issues. Know I don't know what the actual problem might have been ? Could have been sticking ignition switch on dash? Could have been 'Lanyard' switch not closing properly, or could have been throttle not exactly in in neutral ? Could have been Sun Spot flareups for all I know ! I guess the expression 'KISS' applies here, think basics. Lessons learned ! Anyway, problem solved. Whew ! Going to winterize and put boat to bed for the winter this weekend. Can't thank everyone enough for all their input, much appreciated ! Bigdog

10-16-2008, 10:21 PM	#1
eye spy Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 15 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	If you have boat out of water call All Boat Repair in Belmont 267-7223. See if you can take it over to him for repair, had same problem with my Glastron 4.3 this summer and was fix for less than 100.00. give him a try.

10-24-2008, 08:33 AM	#6
robmac Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Nashua,Meredith Posts: 951 Thanks: 213 Thanked 106 Times in 81 Posts	Glad it all worked out for you without expensive repair cost. Funny how a little bit of corrosion can muck up the works. On your ignition contacts I'd recommend a little dielectric grease to prevent that corrosion from returning to quickly.

10-27-2008, 07:47 AM	#7
Audiofn Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Bedford, MA/Naples, ME Posts: 162 Thanks: 3 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Three wires on the back of your ignition are Power from the battery/motor Ignition Crank