starting problems

[blingin96]

Hello all
I am having a problem with my 1987 ski centurion.. I have not used it for the past 4 months.. It was running GREAT 4 months ago before today.. I just cant get it started
I tried useing starting fluid (usually thats all it needed) but now it starts and runs but only for a few seconds then dies. I did this SEVERAL times with the same results. I can see the gas flowing past the fuel filter but after that its a hard line. So im pretty sure im getting gas flow.. I KNOW im getting spark.

While i was trying to start it... I noticed the starter NOT DISENGAGING.. So now I think i have a few problems not just one..

Im up for ANY suggestions.. OR questions

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: starting problems

What make & model is the engine/drive?.....​

 

[blingin96]

Re: starting problems

its a inboard ford pleasurecraft v8 direct drive. with a holley carburator.

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: starting problems

Hello all
I am having a problem with my 1987 ski centurion.. I have not used it for the past 4 months.. It was running GREAT 4 months ago before today.. I just cant get it started
I tried useing starting fluid (usually thats all it needed) but now it starts and runs but only for a few seconds then dies. I did this SEVERAL times with the same results. I can see the gas flowing past the fuel filter but after that its a hard line. So im pretty sure im getting gas flow.. I KNOW im getting spark.
You really should not use starting fluid to start the engine ever....
Pull the flame arrestor off of the carb & pump the throttle....
The choke should close......
If anything the fuel bowl has gone dry from evaporation....
You should prime it by pouring a couple a oz. of good gas right into the throat of the carb........
If your fuel system is good, that should do it....
You may need to repeat several times to get it to keep running.....
Your Cold start procedure should be to pump the throttle twice & set it at 1/4 throttle & turn the key......
This is not a fuel injected engine......


While i was trying to start it... I noticed the starter NOT DISENGAGING.. So now I think i have a few problems not just one..
That sounds like a sticky slave solenoid, a standard Ford solenoid should be about $20, it will connect to the starter & battery & will also have a yellow/red wire attached to it......
Im up for ANY suggestions.. OR questions

Post back with your results.....

 

[salty87]

Re: starting problems

is your battery in good shape? kinda sounds like the carb is gunked up and the battery is running out of oomph. if mine, i'd jump it from my truck and go from there.

 

[blingin96]

Re: starting problems

I will try it again tonight.. with some FRESH gas..
The batteries are KNOWN good. Optima blue top.. I put them on a charger just to make sure the day before i tried starting the boat.

 

[blingin96]

Re: starting problems

i tried starting it with fresh gas down the carb.. it ran a little longer than the starting fluid but still dies..

I took it one step further:
removed the hard line and started crankin the motor.. gas started to come out of the line. so i knew the carb was getting gas.

I ended up having my son opening and closeing the throttle and noticed that no gas was spraying OR dumping into the throats of the carbs. So I removed the carb and opened up one side of it... I found CLOGGED JETS!! So i removed them and sprayed them with carb cleaner and also the rest of the carb orafices.. I installed it and it runs.. NOT SMOOTHLY though. NOW im guessing its the 4 month old gas...

What are the opinions on adding STABIL to the 4 month old gas??... How about adding some octane boost??

 

[Don S]

Re: starting problems

If the jets were plugged up, you can bet all those drilled passages in the carb body are about the same.
You need to rebuild the carb, soak it in carb cleaner, blow out the passages, and reassemble with all new gaskets and check all the settings.

 

[Bondo]

Re: starting problems

I tried useing starting fluid (usually thats all it needed)
So I removed the carb and opened up one side of it... I found CLOGGED JETS!! So i removed them and sprayed them with carb cleaner and also the rest of the carb orafices.. I installed it and it runs.. NOT SMOOTHLY though.

Ayuh,.........

It sounds like you've Had a Fuel Delivery Issue for quite some Time......

Your Problem Now isn't 4 month old Gas,.....
It's a Rotten Carb......
You can Try Rebuilding it,.... Completely......
Or,......
Replace it......

Just selectively cleaning a few areas of it,.. Ain't going to Help.......

 

[Monkaroo]

Re: starting problems

I'll have to agree with Mr. Bondo and Mr. Don S. Look at their number of posts . I think by now they've probably pretty much seen it all .

 

[blingin96]

Re: starting problems

I removed the carb again and now removed both sides of the carb..there really was no gunk in the floats it was only the jets. the rest of the carb looks good even the screen where the gas goes into the carb was clean. I know im probably making excuses for NOT rebuilding it right now.. but after reading this post i know its in the future.
last questions
1)what are your opinions about adding stabil to 4 month old gas ??
and 2)adding some octane boost?

 

[bomar76]

Re: starting problems

1)what are your opinions about adding stabil to 4 month old gas ??
and 2)adding some octane boost?

1. Kinda late for that isn't it? You put Stabil in BEFORE the fuel is gonna set.

2. Waste of time, effort, and $.

You tore aprt the carb, which now needs new gaskets. You found garbage in the carb and convinced yourself that it was just the jets.

Rebuild the stupid thing, put fresh fuel in it and be done w/ it.

 

[Bondo]

Re: starting problems

1)what are your opinions about adding stabil to 4 month old gas ??
and 2)adding some octane boost?

1),.......
4 month old gas, Isn't that Old.....
Adding Sta-bil won't hurt a thing........'course it won't Help a thing either......

2),.......
It probably won't hurt anything,......... Nor will it Help either.......

 

[blingin96]

Re: starting problems

thanks for all the responces.. I appreciate all the help..
I will rebuild the carb.