1987 Bayliner Capri Inboard Engine Trouble

[JJBlecher]

Boat runs fine for 5 to 10 minutes. Then it stalls and won't restart. If I wait about 20 minutes it will start and run for less than a minute and stop. Has brand new battery. I put on a new coil. Has brand new spark plugs. After it dies it won't even crank (sounds like the battery is dead). It is a 1987 Baliner Capri. Inboard motor.

 

[sea wolf]

Re: 1987 Bayliner Capri Inboard Engine Trouble

What temp in is running at? It sounds to me like the engine is overheating, stalls, then wants to start after it cools down some.

 

[JJBlecher]

Re: 1987 Bayliner Capri Inboard Engine Trouble

Temperature gauge never goes above 170 (stays in the green area). I can't be sure that the gauge is working correctly but the motor doesn't seem to be overheating. The first test run we had, we drove around the lake for almost 45 minutes with no problems.
Someone on another site suggested that I check all the wiring and look for loose connections or corrosion. It may be the weeken before I can get to that.

 

[eyezaiah]

Re: 1987 Bayliner Capri Inboard Engine Trouble

Check the wires going to the ignition switch and the switch itself. I had a similar problem. Sometimes the battery wouldn't charge properly either, and the Battery guage would jump around quite a bit.

 

[Pointybitatthe front]

Re: 1987 Bayliner Capri Inboard Engine Trouble

If the temperature and oil pressure look ok while running (and the header tank is still full of water) I would look for an electrical fault.

Try measuring the voltage across the coil when the ignition is on. You should have about 12volts from one of the small terminals to the other. Its probably worth disconnecting and cleaning the connections at the starter motor as well (disconnect the battery negative first).

Let us know how you get on. Do you know which inboard engine you have? Any markings on the top of it?

 

[JJBlecher]

Re: 1987 Bayliner Capri Inboard Engine Trouble

I will check the voltage at the coil tomorrow. I will also do the cleaning. The only marking onm the top of the engine is "3 litre".

 

[JJBlecher]

Re: 1987 Bayliner Capri Inboard Engine Trouble

I checked all the wiring. I removed every connection, cleaned, and reconnected. Still the same problem. I checked the filter in the caburator -- it was clean. I checked the fuel filter - it was clean. Gas was drained and refilled with new - it was also clean.

Engine runs for a few minutes (3 - 5). Then it sputters real bad -- sounds like knocking. Then dies. Seems like it is getting worse. It doesn't even run long enough for the engine to warm up.

 

[Maclin]

Re: 1987 Bayliner Capri Inboard Engine Trouble

Do you know if you are losing spark or fuel when it won't start? Check spark while it is acting up.

The carb main jets and idle circuit passages can get gummed up and plugged up from running older or dirty fuel. When was the last time the carb was truly cleaned then rebuilt?

 

[Maclin]

Re: 1987 Bayliner Capri Inboard Engine Trouble

..and REPLACE the filters, there is no guaranteed procedure for "checking" them....

 

[JJBlecher]

Re: 1987 Bayliner Capri Inboard Engine Trouble

I replaced the fuel pump. First time it started I had it idling and moved the throttle slightly forward. after about 30 seconds it made a knocking noise like it was binding and died. Started it again and same thing. Started again and gave it more gas. Seemed to run better for about 5 minutes. I had it running in the driveway. I couldn't really tell if it was running good. I'm afraid to put it in the water again and get stranded (for a third time!).

My guess is the carb. has never been cleaned. Is it worth it to add cleaner to the gas and run it for a while? Is there an "easy" way to clean the carb. for someone that is not good with engines? I replaced the fuel pump -- do you think I can clean the carb. without breaking it?

 

[nrf414]

Re: 1987 Bayliner Capri Inboard Engine Trouble

I replaced the fuel pump. First time it started I had it idling and moved the throttle slightly forward. after about 30 seconds it made a knocking noise like it was binding and died. Started it again and same thing. Started again and gave it more gas. Seemed to run better for about 5 minutes. I had it running in the driveway. I couldn't really tell if it was running good. I'm afraid to put it in the water again and get stranded (for a third time!).

My guess is the carb. has never been cleaned. Is it worth it to add cleaner to the gas and run it for a while? Is there an "easy" way to clean the carb. for someone that is not good with engines? I replaced the fuel pump -- do you think I can clean the carb. without breaking it?

I have the same engine and had similar troubles at the beginning of the season. Here are some things to check

All fuel filters
- check screen on pick up tube - $0
- check / replace fuel water separator - $15
- check / replace inline fuel filter going into carb. - $2

* Please note on older models, the fuel lines can be fragile. I broke mine and had to replace it changing the filter it was semi-salty at 60 dollars shipped.

I checked these things and found that my problem the whole time was the pesky screen on the fuel pickup tube feeding gas to the rubber fuel line coming out of the gas tank. Darn thing, glad its fixed. Good luck checking yours.

 

[JJBlecher]

Re: 1987 Bayliner Capri Inboard Engine Trouble

I used carb cleaner and seafoam in the gas. Ran great in the driveway in neutral. Moved the trottle forward (in neutral) and ran great for 10 or 15 minutes. Took it to the lake today. Started right up and ran great in the no wake zone. Once we get into the lake and move the throttle forward it sounds terrible. Sounds like knocking and grinding in the lower unit. Good thing is we were able to go back to the dock slowly and didn't need to get towed in. I think the engine is running fine now. I think there is something wrong with the lower unit. Any suggestions??

 

[sea wolf]

Re: 1987 Bayliner Capri Inboard Engine Trouble

If the l/u is grinding, then the shift cable is seriously in need of being adjusted & or replaced. Keep running like that & it will be toast. Your boat is 20 years. The cable is long overdue for replacement. You should probably drain the gear oil & look for metal. That knock is not a good sign.

 

[JJBlecher]

Re: 1987 Bayliner Capri Inboard Engine Trouble

Is the lower unit something I can work on or should I take it to a professional?