Help a noob getting a Ford 302 cranked

[Cec150]

So I recently acquired a boat that had quite a few issues. This is my first time working on a boat (or owning one for that matter) and I know very little about them. I do know that anytime I want to crank the boat I should have it attached to an engine flusher, so that was the first thing I did. I tried to start the boat and every time I turned the key the fuel pump would start bouncing unnaturally and the gauges would go all crazy. So I replaced the fuel pump. That fixed the ghosts in the electrical system. I also had the started checked and had to replace it. While I was replacing the starter I checked the fly-wheel for damaged teeth (it looked great). I also replaced the spark plugs. I then tried to start the boat again. This time the starter would engage the fly wheel and turn the engine, but it still wouldn't crank. I was told that the fuel could be just too old to be able to crank the engine, so I drained it into cans and put new gas in the tank. I sprayed a little bit of starting fluid and the engine now will rev for a second, then it shuts off. I have not been able to get it to do anything more than this. Anyone have any ideas what I could do to get the engine cranked. It hasn't been cranked in over two years. The boat is a 1976 Hydroswift with a Waukesha (marinized Ford) 302/2A.

 

[Aintjudge]

Re: Help a noob getting a Ford 302 cranked

If it'll rev that means it's geting fire, however if it dies afterwards it probably isn't getting fuel, try it with a gas can hooked to your fuel pump, if that starts it then replace your fuel lines they could be obstructed or colapsed. Just a thought... Keep us posted with progress....

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: Help a noob getting a Ford 302 cranked

If you are able to, I could pull the fuel tank completely out and clean the inside. There could be all sorts of contaminants that you can't get drained out. I would also change the fuel filter and water separator, maybe even new fuel lines if they are old. If it doesn't fire up then, I'd be looking at getting the carb rebuilt or replaced.

 

[Utahboatnut]

Re: Help a noob getting a Ford 302 cranked

Try the gas line from a gas can thing and see if you can get it to run for a bit. Also take off the fuel line where it enters the carb and check the little filter there. also with the fuel line off set the open end in a container and try to turn it over trying to see if its even pumping gas. If it starts pumping the prob is in the carb, if not its in the tank or fuel lines to the carb. Oh and use gas in a water bottle with a spray top for your priming. Your engine called and said it hates it when you put starting fluid in it. If it hasn't been run in sometime you could even use a very light premix to prime with as I'm sure all of the oil is out of the top end. Good luck keep us posted.

 

[Cec150]

Re: Help a noob getting a Ford 302 cranked

I'm not sure how to get to the gas tank. It appears that it is apart of the fiberglass hull (if I'm wrong please correct me). I'm not sure how I can get to the tank. I used the electric fuel pump to drain the tank by disconnecting the hose from the engine and turning the key. It took about 3 hours to drain 15 gallons. Is it possible I have a suction issue?

 

[Fordiesel69]

Re: Help a noob getting a Ford 302 cranked

3 hours for 15 gal is very long. I can pump an entire 55 gal drum empty in 45 minutes using a regualar worn out car pump. You problem is easy. You have a fuel delivery problem, or a gunked carburetor.

 

[Cec150]

Re: Help a noob getting a Ford 302 cranked

So I unhooked the fuel line and ran it into a small gas tank. When I tried to crank the engine I got the same thing as before, a quick rev. So I went to try to pull the fuel line going into the carb off to make sure everything was clean. In the process I accidentally grounded the positive line on the alternator. Long story short I now need to replace the wire harness from the alternator to the starter solenoid. Any ideas on where I can get a new wire harness? Don't worry I won't touch anything else on the boat without disconnecting the battery next time. I knew better, but thought I'm not touching anything electrical, so I'm not going to bother unhooking the battery.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Help a noob getting a Ford 302 cranked

Any ideas on where I can get a new wire harness?

Ayuh,... Other than 5.0l Ford, you haven't Identified what We workin' on....

 

[Cec150]

Re: Help a noob getting a Ford 302 cranked

I'm not sure what more you need... It's a Ford 302. It was marinized by Waukesha. It is on a 1976 Hydroswift with a Volvo Penta 270 outdrive. It has a holly 2 barrel carb. Let me know what other info you're looking for

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: Help a noob getting a Ford 302 cranked

I guess I have to ask, the positive line to what? What connection were you messing with that grounded out? You're lucky you didn't blow yourself up with fuel lines being undone and sparks flying.

 

[cr2k]

Re: Help a noob getting a Ford 302 cranked

That is what we needed to know.

I would first start at the carb, pull the fuel line and see if you are getting fuel. Then move to the next object in the line to the tank, the filter or fuel pump depending on how it is plumbed, the next and so on.

How long has this boat been sitting?

 

[Bondo]

Re: Help a noob getting a Ford 302 cranked

Long story short I now need to replace the wire harness from the alternator to the starter solenoid. Any ideas on where I can get a new wire harness?

Ayuh,.... Call Waukesha.

 

[Cec150]

Re: Help a noob getting a Ford 302 cranked

I guess I have to ask, the positive line to what? What connection were you messing with that grounded out? You're lucky you didn't blow yourself up with fuel lines being undone and sparks flying.

The positive line on the back of the alternator with the negative on the back of the alternator. Apparently the metal fuel line lines up perfectly with the two terminals when the fuel line rotates a little while still attached to the carb. I did have enough sense to have the fuel line coming out of the tank capped off. And I had pulled out the key.

 

[sully73]

Re: Help a noob getting a Ford 302 cranked

rebuild the carb,change out the filters and if it took that long to empty the tank, id say get a new pump also. fuel line isnt that exspensive so if it were me, id replace that also. to me, id rather replace all the parts so that i have peace of mind that the system isnt gonna leave me 10 miles down river stranded.you could spend two weeks chasing each lil individual demon, or just whipe them out in one shot. just my two cents.