Penta 3.0L Potential Carb/Start Issues???

[Glastron175SX]

First off, thanks for these forums! I'm a new boat owner of only about 10 days, and these things have helped me out a ton already! Your knowledge and help is much appreciated! On with my questions... I purchased a 00' Glastron 175SX w/ the 3.0L Penta engine; I took it to a shop to have a "run out" and system check performed and it came back with flying colors. But, I have run into a few issues the number of times I've taken it out - and they may all be related to one cause. The first, cold start of the day always goes fine. Once warm, I can turn off and on without any problems, as many times as I'd like. Where I run into issues is when I run around the lake, stop to let the kids swim for 20 or 30 minutes, and then try to start again. It takes 5 minutes alone of just cranking and cranking before it fires up again; then it runs and starts great until I take the next break. Seems like the engine floods or something each time it rests for more than 20 minutes when warm. I have read various posts that indicate possible fuel pump, cap and rotor, or float issues. Any advice on this? Also, when getting out of the hole, if I go from in-gear to full throttle, the engine struggles and chokes a bit (sometimes just dies). My quick work-around for now to solve that, is go from in-gear to 50% throttle, hold for half a second, then go to 100% throttle and the engine does fine. Could both of these be related to the same issue? Others that have had this same problem? Thanks for your help!!!

 

[Don S]

Re: Penta 3.0L Potential Carb/Start Issues???

Give it about 1/4 to 1/2 throttle while cranking and see if it doesn't start easier.

Might also check the choke and see if it's working correctly.

 

[Glastron175SX]

Re: Penta 3.0L Potential Carb/Start Issues???

Thanks Don! Quick question; call me a newby, but what is the easiest way to check choke operation? I believe it is electric; so should I just see if it adjusts while cranking? Also, do I have to be in neutral for it to turn; or will it crank w/ throttle at 25-50%?

 

[Don S]

Re: Penta 3.0L Potential Carb/Start Issues???

You have to be in neutral to crank the engine, but there is also a throttle only position on the control. Should be a button in the center of the control, from the neutral position push the button and move the lever forward. Then you are only moving the throttle. When you pull it back to neutral it will automatically go back to the gear shift position.

The choke should be closed when cold and open after it warms up.

 

[Glastron175SX]

Re: Penta 3.0L Potential Carb/Start Issues???

Great to know... could the choke, most likely, be the reason for the problems when hitting the throttle/getting a skier up and the engine nearly dies?

 

[Don S]

Re: Penta 3.0L Potential Carb/Start Issues???

It's possible, but if it's open, it's not the problem. Carb mixture adjustment, accelerator pump problems in the carb, need of a tuneup can all cause the hesitation.