Hard start after warm

[gman2560]

I have a 78 Merc 165 L6. It cold starts with no issues and runs very smooth. After running it for a while, if I turn the engine off, I cannot get it restarted. If I wait a while, say 30 or more minutes, it will restart, though not as easily as a cold start.<br />Pertanent info: The belt was slipping somewhat and is being replaced tonight. The points, distributor, plug/coil wires are as new, very clean. I have not pulled a plug, though they too were replaced when the above was. I plan to pull one and inspect.<br />I have seen several references to whether or not the choke is working. Is there a procedure for checking the choke to make sure it is funtioning properly?<br />Do you have any other suggestions?

 

[vipzach]

Re: Hard start after warm

Does the motor crank just fine, is it slow to turn over, does it just click when you turn the key? Try to give us some of those details, so we can point you in a direction of what to check.

 

[gman2560]

Re: Hard start after warm

Motor turns over same as a cold start. I have pulled the air filter off. its a rochester 2bbl carb and when you apply the throttle you get two good streams of gas. The choke is wide open when attempting to restart.

 

[Don S]

Re: Hard start after warm

I have seen several references to whether or not the choke is working. Is there a procedure for checking the choke to make sure it is funtioning properly?<br />

Yea, look at it. When cold it should be closed, warm it should be open. If it's closed when warm, it would cause flooding. Opening the throttle to WOT position when cranking would help if it's flooded.

 

[kimchee]

Re: Hard start after warm

First off, I would like to thank Don S and VIP for their dedication to this website, I have become unbelievably familiar with my engine because of people like you... Thanks...<br /><br />Second, I would like to comment on Grant Richardsons comments about his problem of which I am experiencing also... The difference is, is that I think I know my problem... Which I believe maybe his as well...<br /><br />I was told that the likely reason I am having a hard start after warming, is because after at least 20 minutes of driving the boat, you are stopped, let's say in the middle of the ocean... When you shut off your engine, apparently gasoline continues to drip into the carbuerator, thus making it hard to start, hence the "flooding effect." <br /><br />This is why Don S, recommended you try starting the boat with the throttle fully open... I once thought this would further flood the carb, however I now always have to start my engine this way... I was told the only way to resolve this problem is to get my carbuerator rebuilt...<br /><br />Another thing you can do Grant, is pull some plugs and see what they look like... It they are black, then what I said is the most likely cause.<br /><br />DISCLAIMER: I am a 1 season boater, so what I say is just a best guess from reading all the postings, and personal experience... I DO NOT COME REMOTELY CLOSE TO THE EXPERTISE OF PEOPLE LIKE DON S and VIP...<br /><br />I figure Grant would appreciate a newbee's advise.<br /><br />Now, as far as rebuilding the carb... I have gotten quotes of $250... But I am trying to build up the confidence to do it myself... Because I am a cheap *******... <br />Let's see if my cheapness will overcome my intellegence... <br /><br />Thanks again everyone

 

[Captianloud]

Re: Hard start after warm

I may think an overly rich idle circiut in that Rochester 2bbl

 

[gman2560]

Re: Hard start after warm

To all...thanks for the advice. Kimchee, I too am a cheap guy! I am an amatuer mechanic and rebuilding a carb is something i have done many times. Try it...do the research, find a friend who knows their way around it and you will learn fast. The key is to not do it alone. Good luck.<br />onto the boat. I replaced the condensor, and rotor cap on the distributor. The points are on order. I took it out and still had the same issue. I think there may be more than the flood issue here, though I havent had time to check for spark and/or the condition of the plugs after i started having this problem.<br />Anyway I put her in to a very good local mechanic. Time to get an expert involved so that the family has fun, and doesnt spend the summer pladdling and getting towed while dad attempts to isolate and fix the problem.<br />I will submit the findings and fix to everyone as an fyi...<br />thanks again, and red skys at night to everyone!

 

[bamadave]

Re: Hard start after warm

Grant, Not too cheap. You know the difference between knowing when to hold'em and knowing when to run. Alot of boaters still need to learn that, but too macho to admit it. Your family should appreciate your decision to take the boat and have it diagnosed properly and repaired. <br /><br />Kimchee, if you think you know your carb needs rebuilding, why not rebuild it and be done. Cheap or not, if you know you have a problem and do nothing about, it's going to esculate to more problems and more money.