1997 Volvo Penta 4.3GL Issues

amsegura

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I been lurking on these forums for some time now and decided its time for me to put up my first post. I see there is a ton of resources and allot of people here that know there stuff. Well he is my issue that I'm having with my boat. I picked up my boat from storage last weekend and took it over to a buddies house to wash it. Well we managed to get the boat started and let it run for about 10 minutes with the muffs on and water running. I turned it off and let it sit for about 5 minutes and started right up again. Well this weekend I was suppose to take the boat out had it all loaded kids ready and wife. Before we left to the lake something told me to hook it up again to the water hose and make sure it starts before I pay all the fees and find out there that it wont start. Well as you might be aware it didnt start for me. The boat cranks over but will not start. I dont know what could change from last weekend. I took it to my friends house and we looked at the carb and its getting gas. It acts like it wants to start but doesnt. I wanted to ask the experts what I should look for. It still has gas from last year as I didnt drain it out but I did put some octane booster in the gas tank. My friend thinks it might be the carb. What else should I be looking for. If it makes any difference its a 1997 Chris Craft. Thanks....
 

Don S

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Re: 1997 Volvo Penta 4.3GL Issues

Do you have good spark?
 

amsegura

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Re: 1997 Volvo Penta 4.3GL Issues

That is the one thing we didnt test. I need to buy a spark plug tester to check for spark. Anything else I should look for?
 

Don S

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Re: 1997 Volvo Penta 4.3GL Issues

remove the coil wire from the center of the distributor cap and hold it about 1/2" from a good clean ground and crank the engine. You should have a bright blue spark jumping.
 

amsegura

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Re: 1997 Volvo Penta 4.3GL Issues

I'm still waiting on my service manual so I can do a tune up and stuff. Do you have a place where I can get a digital copy while I wait for the paper one?
 

Don S

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Re: 1997 Volvo Penta 4.3GL Issues

I do have manual downloads for yours, but I do need to have the full model number of the engine, I know it's a 4.3GL, but there are letters after the GL that I need for ID. Volvo doesn't do anything by year. All by model and sn.
 

amsegura

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Re: 1997 Volvo Penta 4.3GL Issues

Ok I will get that info for you when I get home today. Once again thanks for your insight.
 

amsegura

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Re: 1997 Volvo Penta 4.3GL Issues

So I got the information you requested. The Model # 432BPLKD and SN # T01302835 hopefully that is correct as it was hard to read. If the 0 doesnt match then I would assume its a O. I tried to start it again hoping that maybe the carb was just flooded but still the same issues as before. I hope to get this fixed as I want to take my family out before dirtbike season comes around. Once again thanks for your help.
 

Don S

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Re: 1997 Volvo Penta 4.3GL Issues

The Model # 432BPLKD and SN # T01302835

Ahhhhhh, those are OMC numbers, not Volvo ................ Back in the day when OMC and Volvo were in a joint venture.
The manuals have the Volvo cover and Volvo model numbers inside. The the parts on the engine and drive are exactly the same. Except maybe the decals. So all your parts can be obtained through a Volvo dealer if you can't find an OMC dealer or mechanic if you need one.

Your model number in Volvo terminology will be 4.3GLPLKD

Here is a list of all the manuals for the LK model. Pick the ones you need.
http://www.4shared.com/dir/14518392/2d00c0cc/LKsharing.html
 

amsegura

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Re: 1997 Volvo Penta 4.3GL Issues

Is that a good thing or a bad thing? Thanks for the links for the service manuals. Is there a common issue with these engines that go bad that would prevent the boat from starting?
 

Don S

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Re: 1997 Volvo Penta 4.3GL Issues

Is there a common issue with these engines that go bad that would prevent the boat from starting?

Nope, you have to figure out what the problem is then how to fix it.

First, check the spark.
 

amsegura

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Re: 1997 Volvo Penta 4.3GL Issues

So I just wanted to give you guys a quick update. So it was the kill switch that was causing the boat not to start. I had a Boat Mechanic look at my boat and he did some testing and narrowed it down to the Switch. Just wanted to say thanks for your help.
 

proxyx

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Re: 1997 Volvo Penta 4.3GL Issues

those kill switches... sometimes they REALLY work... killing the fun...
 
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