1'st post......need your help!

[rockmagnet]

I have a 97 Searayder XR2 with the 175 merc V6. I understand that this is an outboard engine hooked up to a Jet drive, so hopefully I'm in the right forum. ANYWAY: My boat ran fine when I winterized it last fall, but now it won't start. I don't think it's getting any spark. Anyone have any guesses, suggestions for diagnostics, etc? Thanks for any/all help.<br /><br />Ryan

 

[jim dozier]

Re: 1'st post......need your help!

Squirt some premix into the carb throats and see if it fires.

 

[rockmagnet]

Re: 1'st post......need your help!

When I pulled the plugs, they are wet so I'm pretty sure it's getting fuel. Thanks though!

 

[jim dozier]

Re: 1'st post......need your help!

OK, while you have the plugs out, turn over the engine and check for spark at the plugs. You should have a strong blue spark. If not, do you have a kill switch thats not on? If it ran fine last time you put it up you should have spark still. Is your battery turning over the engine at a good clip or just barely?<br /><br />If you do have spark, perhaps you flooded it on your initial attempt at cranking. Let it air out a while with the plugs out, put them back in and try to crank it up again while holding open the throttle plates at the carb by hand (let go as soon as it fires).

 

[rockmagnet]

Re: 1'st post......need your help!

I cheked for spark while the plugs were out, I couldn't see any. (however, this is complicated by the fact that the plugs are the kind that are "flat" with nothing sticking out for the spark to jump to. I tried holding the plug close to the block, but couldnt see anything.)

 

[dkondelik]

Re: 1'st post......need your help!

mornin' Rocket,<br /><br />Sorry, i don't know your machine but,....<br /><br />Have you replaced the plugs?<br /><br />You've obviously pulled the plugs. with the plugs out of the block, did you get fire on 'em while cranking the motor? Is it a strong blue spark?<br />If no, you know where to start.<br /><br />If yes, I'd look at fuel delivery<br /><br />Has the flywheel key sheered?<br /><br />Let us know what you find

 

[jim dozier]

Re: 1'st post......need your help!

When you check for spark the body of the plug (the threads) needs to be solidly grounded to a bare part of the block (preferrably away from the spark plug hole ) in order to spark. From your description it doesn't sound like you did that. Can you confirm? Your spark should jump from the center electrode to the outside rim.

 

[rockmagnet]

Re: 1'st post......need your help!

I will re-try tonight, and post what I've learned tomorrow. Thanks you guys!!!!

 

[svangui1]

Re: 1'st post......need your help!

I had the same problem this year. NEW PLUGS. There was gunk from the winterizing in the plugs and alle that crap. Put new plugs in and whammo fired right up.

 

[rockmagnet]

Re: 1'st post......need your help!

Well, it was raining like a sob when I got home last night, so I will have to try to work on it tonight. Any tips or other stuff I should look for while I'm at it?