First real cruise - had issues w/ starting etc

[javajesus]

Ok, so with all of your help here, I finally was able to get the Aztec out on the lake for a day of mostly trouble free fun. The engine is an omc with a 77 electric shift. After running hard-ish across the lake, we pulled up to a friends dock to visit for a few minutes, then went to take off and no start. Would crank, but not catch. After I pumped the choke a couple of times it would start and idle at higher than normal rpms. After a minute it would settle down then start to surge. low to high rpms. if I put it in gear it would die. He suggested it might be a fuel pump. The other things that might be worth mentioning are that cold starts are difficult (have to pump the choke arm) and after running then shuting off gas will drip from the accelerator pump (i think- left side of carb, small rod coming out of it) about 12 drips and thats it. I know, not safe need to get that fixed pronto) So, any help here would be appreciated. If it is the fuel pump, the engine is a 350 gm, can I use a standard mech pump, or do I need to buy a marine one?

 

[Mik]

Re: First real cruise - had issues w/ starting etc

Does the boat still have the points in the distributor.

I had trouble starting until I put in electronic ignition. Can't think of the exact name, something like Pertronics.

Makes a world of difference in how the boat runs if you replace the points.

Just a thought...

Mik

 

[rs2k]

Re: First real cruise - had issues w/ starting etc

If you have enough fuel in the carb to have gas coming out the top than it's not a bad fuel pump. Besides, problems with the fuel pump usually show up at higher RPM first. It sound to me like you need to rebuild your carburetor. Fuel coming out the accelerator pump usually means a sticky float or bad needle valve and/or seat. You probably have something clogging up the idle passages in the carb as well.

 

[searay3]

Re: First real cruise - had issues w/ starting etc

Fuel and electrical systems on a boat MUST be marine rated or you risk explosion. That leaking fuel from the carb evaporates and builds fumes in the bilge. It is nothing to be fooling with. Get it fixed and use marine rated parts. Period.

 

[javajesus]

Re: First real cruise - had issues w/ starting etc

According to the PO of the boat, the carb is new ( looks new except for the electric choke that does not appear to work) I can't tell for sure if it is marine or not. It is a holley and does not have the J tubes. When we first started fiddling with the boat, gas was leaking from the float bowl, that stopped and now leaks from the accl pump. I guess I can get a rebuild kit and tear the top off and see what there is to see. I guess if it sat for a year it could have built up varnish in there. Thanks, I will look into it.

 

[searay3]

Re: First real cruise - had issues w/ starting etc

You can try a rebuild. Unless you have real knowledge and history of the boat, PO's will say anythign to make a sale. Chances are he was done putting money into it. Anyway, a holley comes apart from the sides, not the top. Pretty simple really. Get a kit, tear it down, soak in a bucket of carb cleaner (available at most auto parts stores), blast all passages clean with compressed air, and following the instructions, put it back together. Nothing can leak fuel. No fittings, gaskets, plungers, plugs, nothing. If it does, it will eventually explode. Another option is a new carb. Might be worth a couple of hundred bucks if your wallet can handle it...

 

[javajesus]

Re: First real cruise - had issues w/ starting etc

I pulled the carb off today and split the sides. I found the primary bone dry and the secondary full. Not sure what that means. Also found some crud in the gas inlet in the secondaries. I will see about soaking it or maybe just have it rebuilt. The local guy wants 200 - 250.