Runnig at 27mph... then nothing!

[jennis9]

We went out on a glass flat lake last night - our third trip out this summer. Boat started right up again - no problems -- purring like a kitten.

So we launch and warm up the engine, and get out to open water and are about three miles out going around 27mph and then it seems like someone pulled a safety lanyard - and it just shuts down. no puttering, no knocking or pinging, no smoke - or overheat, no gas smell. Just running... then off.

We try a few things, no luck. prime the carb - nothing. Turn the key and it just tries to turn over, but doesn't. cha cha cha cha cha... but no vroom.

So we cut the trip short and pull the cord on the kicker - and tinker in to the gas dock at the marina (could have called the tow guy - he was sitting at the dock t greet us).

Hopefully they will be able to look at it on the busiest day of the year.... but I have NO idea what could be the problem. In case I am left with it this way - anything you would suggest checking out? the ground is secure, full gas tank too.

 

[Don S]

Re: Runnig at 27mph... then nothing!

Head up to the Adults Only sticky at the top of this fourm.

Answer #1

 

[JustJason]

Re: Runnig at 27mph... then nothing!

with knowing what engine your talking about, i can't get into specifics.
But you either lost fire or fuel.... since it didn't sound like a hand grenade went off i'm going to say its not mechanical.

So do ya have spark there sparky?
Do ya have gas?

 

[jennis9]

Re: Runnig at 27mph... then nothing!

AHHHH, yes, a sticky. Thanks Don S - I obviously have NOT posted here before. Here's my new post - I will go to #4 and get back to you. I knew I would get pointed in the right direction here. Thanks for such quick replies!

1. Engine year, make, type, model, and serial number if possible. Merc 140/4cyl - Iron Duke, 1985, no serial number available at this time

2. Type and model of outdrive, Merc, Volvo, OMC, etc. Merc I/O

3. EXACTLY what it's doing wrong, worded correctly so we can figure out the question. See first post for best description. Was running out at 27 MPH and then all of a sudden - nothing - lights, radio and electronics from both batteries on. Gas tank full

4. PATIENCE to do the testing procedures given. thanks for this information - I will get back on this one

JustJason - yup - full tank. Sparkplugs... Ok - that was my first suggestion, even out on the water last night (with spares on the boat!!). the two guys i had with me thought it had to be something else. Even bought an extra set of plugs so we have spares and a guage - i even have fine sandpaper and a wire brush to clean them off in case that might be it too - but I was vetoed.

I'll go read and get back to you - thanks for not humilliating me. I really know nothing about the motor other than it was the same as in my 1978 pontiac phonex.... I'm the type who likes to know about fishing coordinates and tackle. Better brush up in this forum too...

 

[JustJason]

Re: Runnig at 27mph... then nothing!

Its actually not an iron duke. The motor is a GM 3.0 liter industrial engine. It was never used in an automobile.

To check for fuel, pull of the spark arrestor, open the choke up by hand and look down it. Have a buddy put the throttle in neutral and give it a push foward. If you get 2 streams of fuel shooting down the carb then the fuel bowl is full and probably not your problem. If you do not get 2 streams then your fuel bowl is probably empty, and start with looking at a fuel issue.


Now I never said spark plugs, I said spark, 2 different things.
To check for spark you really need a spark checker. I use the ones found here.
http://stevensinstrument.com/spark_checkers.htm
But you can find similar ones anywhere.
Holding the spark plug against the block and seeing if it sparks is not the same thing. The spark needs to jump at least a 7/16ths of an inch gap and more importantly be HOT and BLUE.