Problem starting engine

[zoe'sdad]

Last time we used the boat the starter would turn for one short burst each time I turned the key. I got the engine to fire by sparaying some ether. The battery is one year old and I keep it on a maintainer. Once the engine was running we had no problem starting it while fishing for the rest of the day. Could this be a battery problem or should I be looking at the starter system?

 

[Jiggz]

Re: Problem starting engine

The starter disengaging after each "cough" or short bursts is normal. Do you use the choke when starting it cold? Provide engine info, year, model , HP.

 

[zoe'sdad]

Re: Problem starting engine

'96 40 hp. No, I did not engage the choke when starting. Never had to. Always would start on second or third try. Engine usualy will turn more than one short burst.

 

[Jiggz]

Re: Problem starting engine

When you sprayed starting fluid in to the carb is no different if you use the choke, i.e. it provides a richer mixture to start it cold. I don't want to recommend changing any settings for now if the engine runs fine after warming up and that you are satisfied with its performance. However, check the spark plugs make sure they are not fouled. Try new sets if that makes it start better cold.

As for the starter, unlike auto starters which uses a solenoid to push and engage the pinion gear prior to turning, O/B starters uses what is called a "over running" mechanism. Where in if the flywheel spins faster than the starter (and it will as soon as the engine fires or even coughs) the pinion automatically disengages itself to prevent overrunning the starter motor and burning it.

Any adjustment will involve the idle mixture setting or maybe just some cleaning. But even that requires adjusting or resetting it. At 16 years, the engine will at least require carb cleaning especially if you do not have an inline fuel filter.

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: Problem starting engine

Start with a compression test.
Then rebuild the starter.

 

[zoe'sdad]

Re: Problem starting engine

Wow, the engine is 16 years old. Never though about that. It has the orignal plugs too. I took the carb apart and cleaned it about 5 years ago and I do run an inline filter on the hose. There is also one mounted to the engine. Where can I find information on rebuilidng a starter if changing the plugs does not help. Maybe I should have someone check the timing too.

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: Problem starting engine






Timing usually doesn't move unless someone is tinkering.
Very easy to rebuild/clean the starter.
I think they sell brushes here.
The jig for holding the brushes,I made is from an old license plate.

 

[zoe'sdad]

Re: Problem starting engine

The sound proofing fell from the cowl and wrapped around the fly wheel and starter last summer. I had to clean everything with acetone and wd-40. Some of the cleaner or oil may have worked it's way into the starter. Maybe that is the problem. If so, changing the brushes and cleaning the starter up may be what is required.

 

[Jiggz]

Re: Problem starting engine

Wow, the engine is 16 years old. Never though about that. It has the orignal plugs too. I took the carb apart and cleaned it about 5 years ago and I do run an inline filter on the hose. There is also one mounted to the engine. Where can I find information on rebuilidng a starter if changing the plugs does not help. Maybe I should have someone check the timing too.

Original plugs? Wow, new plugs would most likely solve your problem. Start with a KISS (Keep It Short and Simple) and get complicated as you move along. If timing was off you would not have been satisfied with the performance of the engine after it warms up. I do not believe that is an issue for now.

 

[zoe'sdad]

Re: Problem starting engine

I plan on keeping it simple for now. Already had routine maintence planned for the impellor and lower unit oil so I'll add plugs and carb cleaning to the list. If that does not solve the problem then I'll start looking at the starter. It has been ideling rough so cleaing the carbs will problaby help. Thanks for the help guys!