Hi everyone,
This is my first boat and I am having intermittent problems starting up. Once started, it runs fine and it will start back up easily after being turned off for a short period of time.
Here's my starting procedure:
1) prime the bulb until stiff
2) ensure in neutral
3) lift high idle lever up all the way
4) turn key and push in after about a second
When the key is turned, I hear the starter cranking. I removed the motor cover and observed it engaging and turning. However, the motor does not seem to fire or sometimes it will fire for a second, a little bit of smoke comes out, and it will stall. I continue doing this and it seems to start eventually... sometimes it takes 5-10 minutes of cranking and then almost miraculously starts. I haven't been able to notice a difference between the cranking when it starts and when it doesn't start.
I noticed that the starter and flywheel has worn/chipped teeth, but like I said it does engage and turn. The battery is fully charged and I observe the voltage dropping from 12.5V to 11.7V on the fishfinder. I would like to check the voltage drop from the battery to the starter solenoid, but I haven't taken the multimeter with me out on the water.
I don't have much experience with boats and motors.. I just ordered a manual. I had a mechanic check it out and he says everything looks fine, he was able to start it in one try and suggests that maybe it's my technique. He installed a fuel filter/water seperator because he found water in the motor. He also checked the compression and told me there were no leaks in the fuel lines. The previous owner says he recently replaced the spark plugs and wires and they appear to be in good condition.. I didn't pull them but I'm assuming the mechanic did when he checked it out.
I know this is long and I appreciate your time reading. I would greatly appreciate any suggestions to troubleshoot this further. If anyone has had similar problems, please share the details on how you resolved it. Thank you!
This is my first boat and I am having intermittent problems starting up. Once started, it runs fine and it will start back up easily after being turned off for a short period of time.
Here's my starting procedure:
1) prime the bulb until stiff
2) ensure in neutral
3) lift high idle lever up all the way
4) turn key and push in after about a second
When the key is turned, I hear the starter cranking. I removed the motor cover and observed it engaging and turning. However, the motor does not seem to fire or sometimes it will fire for a second, a little bit of smoke comes out, and it will stall. I continue doing this and it seems to start eventually... sometimes it takes 5-10 minutes of cranking and then almost miraculously starts. I haven't been able to notice a difference between the cranking when it starts and when it doesn't start.
I noticed that the starter and flywheel has worn/chipped teeth, but like I said it does engage and turn. The battery is fully charged and I observe the voltage dropping from 12.5V to 11.7V on the fishfinder. I would like to check the voltage drop from the battery to the starter solenoid, but I haven't taken the multimeter with me out on the water.
I don't have much experience with boats and motors.. I just ordered a manual. I had a mechanic check it out and he says everything looks fine, he was able to start it in one try and suggests that maybe it's my technique. He installed a fuel filter/water seperator because he found water in the motor. He also checked the compression and told me there were no leaks in the fuel lines. The previous owner says he recently replaced the spark plugs and wires and they appear to be in good condition.. I didn't pull them but I'm assuming the mechanic did when he checked it out.
I know this is long and I appreciate your time reading. I would greatly appreciate any suggestions to troubleshoot this further. If anyone has had similar problems, please share the details on how you resolved it. Thank you!
