2nd problem/questions from my first boat

[rarmstrong2]

Why does it take 30seconds for my engine to start. When she starts she runs great, except for what happened today (see my other post). <br /> . The battery is fine and turns the motor fine. The motor has 650hours and has been kept very well. Except for what happened today (see my other post). <br />Thanks for your help!<br />rob

 

[Don S]

Re: 2nd problem/questions from my first boat

Are you using the proper starting procedures? It's not like an fuel injected car where you turn the key and it runs.<br />With a carb and choke it takes a few extra steps.

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: 2nd problem/questions from my first boat

I think what Don S.means is give it two full pumps when it is cold....It should help....JK

 

[waterone1@aol.com]

Re: 2nd problem/questions from my first boat

Events that happened two days ago here in Cincinnati, on the Ohio river (four people dead when a barge hit a houseboat that was dead in the water) implore me to say this, you have a problem with your boat and you are new to boating....you should not be out on it untill this is solved!!!<br />Your first post indicated that you have a system wide loss of electrical power, this will not fix itself, and WILL happen again. Secondly, as others have pointed out, even if your boat is running right, you need to learn how to start it, it is much more "fussy" than a car is these days. <br />Here's the deal, most cars for the past 15 years or so are fuel injected, there is a computer telling the engine how much gas and air the engine needs to start, for the temperture it is at. Your boat does not have all of that. When the engine has not been run for several hours, it needs more gas and less air to start. YOU have to do that. This is all highly subjective, but the accepted practice is to pump the throttle one to three times, then set it at high idle and try the key. As soon as the engine starts running, bring the throttle back towards idle.....how much and how fast depends on the engines...you will need to learn a feel for this. You don't want a cold engine running at 2500 rpm's, but it might stall under 1200 for the first minute or two. Practice makes perfect. On the other hand, if the engine is warm and you shut it off for a few minutes, it should fire right up without pumping the throttle, in fact you may be flooding the engine(with too much gas) by pumping it at this point. I highly suggest, that you get an experienced boater, or even a paid captain to go out with you for a few hours, to help you learn some of these basics. A boat that is not running when it needs to be can be life threatening.

 

[sea wolf]

Re: 2nd problem/questions from my first boat

It's mind boggling how someone can yake a 16 mo. old baby out on a boat & not even know the proper procedure for starting the damn thing.

 

[rarmstrong2]

Re: 2nd problem/questions from my first boat

Thanks guys. There is never a problem after the boat is warm. Starts right up. Just on the cold engine. I don't think I am pumping the throttle enough. <br /><br />Have a good day!

 

[beezee28]

Re: 2nd problem/questions from my first boat

Robaincltnc,<br /><br />Take your time learning the rope and collect all the information given by some of the best mind in iboats becuase I learned alot from them but you don't that to take any rant that belittle you from those who think they know more than you. <br /><br />Everyone has to learn form someone what to do and I am sure you are learning every bit you can.<br /><br />Always think safety when taking your boat. Another thing that you can do is to go and take a Coast Guard boating safety class to know more. It is an eye opener.<br /><br />And welcome to Iboats.

 

[wvit100]

Re: 2nd problem/questions from my first boat

hey robaincltnc - where are you in charlotte. I live near Lake Wylie and do most all my boating there. I was up at Lake Norman last weekend for the WRFX Lake Party but I usually stay around Lake Wylie.

 

[sea wolf]

Re: 2nd problem/questions from my first boat

Hey beezee, if my post was a rant, too bad. But when you're responsible for the safety & well being of a 16 month old, u oughta take the time to learn how to start you're damn boat before u head out on the water. What would have happened or will happen if a tanker that can take 2 miles to stop is bearing down on him & he can't start his boat cuz he don't know how? Huh? You're right, everyone has to learn. But u don't learn or fly by the pants with a baby on board.

 

[rbezdon]

Re: 2nd problem/questions from my first boat

If by cold you mean after the boat sits a few days or a week, then is is a different issue. All carb boats have a folat bowl. Whne they sit for days unused the fuel in the bowl evaporates and the bowl is dry. It takes 15 seconds or more of cranking to get the fuel pump to refill the bowl. Pumping the accelerator when the bowl is empty does nothing. I start my engine by cranking before doing anything for about 15 seconds in neutral. Then I set the throttle/shift control so that I can pump the accelerator in neutral and pump it twice. Than crank again until it catches and give a little throttle to a fast idle level. I suspect your starting problem is not cold but after standing for some time. This tends not to happen if you start cold but on the same day for example. Then you can come out pump twice and it will usually catch quickly like a old car used to. Remember your old 60s or 70s carurated car?? The difference is you used your car every day, several times a day. The boat stands for weeks some times. Dont expect the boat to work like a car, it is a different animal and it's working environment is quite different from a car's.

 

[Lou C]

Re: 2nd problem/questions from my first boat

Remember that the 19 year old boat you have used 1960s technology in terms of fuel and ignition system. So if you ever started a '66 Chevy with a Quadrajet you would have no problem with older marine engines. Since you have a baby I assume you may have not ever driven cars that old, so it is kind of like starting a lawnmower or weedwacker, you have to learn the procdure and practice, you will get it but as seawolf says, there are certain things you need to learn right away, that is one, learning how to safely fuel up the boat is another, anchoring and calling for help on the VHF are some others that come to mind. Since you have an inboard you must follow all safety procedures with respect to starting and fueling the boat. VERY important. <br />safety course is the best thing you can do.

 

[nitedmn]

Re: 2nd problem/questions from my first boat

When looking at the boat I recently bought the old owner had started it when it was cold so I had never started it cold. The next day, when I went to take the boat to the lake for the first time, the first thing I did was drag out the garden hose and try to start the boat at home. I wanted to make darn sure I could easly start the boat when it was cold, without flooding it, before I got it out on the lake.<br /><br />Fortunatly all had to do was pump it twice, open the throttle slightly, and turn the key. Oh.. and this is a 27 year old boat too.

 

[rarmstrong2]

Re: 2nd problem/questions from my first boat

Sea Wolf..if you are going to slam me learn to spell (what is Yake?). And by the way..there are no tankers on Mt. Island Lake. Once the boat warms no problem there is never a problem. The problem was only when the engine was cool..I've had the boat 2 weeks and learn something new everyday. And yes, now that I pump the throttle more than once it starts right up. Next time, just work on your tone my friend. Belittling on a forum is pretty much a coward move..if you need to say something like that to me how about sending a private email. All the peasants just love to listen to you because you know all. I bow to you oh wise one. No seriously, you are right. I need to know more however this lake is small with help only a boat away. <br /><br />BeeZee thanks for your thoughts. I may look into that class.<br /><br />WVIT100 I live up HWY 16 on Mountain Island Lake..between you and Lake Norman. I used to work for WRFX. Now with WSOC and WFNZ Sports Radio.

 

[sea wolf]

Re: 2nd problem/questions from my first boat

Well,I guess I mispelled one. Won't be the last. But, I do have enough brains to start my boat without crying for help. And I have better things to do than send emails. Do u know what a life vest is for? Or a bilge blower?

 

[rarmstrong2]

Re: 2nd problem/questions from my first boat

You are so correct. I know nothing about nothing. Good night o wise one. I hope I find my way to my bed. Have a good night.

 

[moderator1]

Re: 2nd problem/questions from my first boat

sea wolf, this would be a good time to LAY OFF!<br />The man is here trying to learn "how to do it properly"....better than NOT being here to learn.<br />You most likely had the gift at Birth, some of us don't.<br />I ask that you refrain from anymore comments unless they are of good nature and of helpful intensions.<br />Thank you.

 

[sea wolf]

Re: 2nd problem/questions from my first boat

Hey Mod, go take a long walk off a short pier.

 

[moderator1]

Re: 2nd problem/questions from my first boat

Thank you for the comment...<br />Consider that strike #1, and I will be watching.<br />That shortens your pier a notch too.

 

[moderator1]

Re: 2nd problem/questions from my first boat

When you report the post, it comes to me....<br />That's what's up with THIS guy....<br />If you have nothing to add to the topic that will be of value to the original post, please do not add, or report anymore or your posts will be deleted.