Trouble in the Water

[wilyesteve]

85 Sea Ray, 350, Alpha 1... New to me.

Ran fine on muffs.

Put it in the water, started fine and then died after 15 seconds. Very hard to start after that, wouldn't stay running. Pulled it out, ran fine on muffs. Went back to the lake, same problem.

When I pulled it out and brought it home, I noticed that the exhaust bellows had disconnected itself from the lower unit. Could this be the cause of the problem?

Obviously I am going to reconnect it, but I want to save myself the embarrassment of not being able to start the engine if I try again tomorrow... I know to look at fuel, spark, compression, but I'm wondering if the bellows being disconnected causes too much back pressure and thus causes this problem.

Thanks!

 

[cr2k]

Re: Trouble in the Water

Unless it was blocking the exhaust it should not have any effect. In fact you can replace with what is called the Exhaust Tube which only connects to the transom side. A little more umph a little more noise. MCM PN: 78458A1 Sierra Supply (NAPA) 18-2760 For #1 Drives & Bravo I, II, III.

 

[wilyesteve]

Re: Trouble in the Water

Thanks....

Is it strange that it will run for 15-20 seconds in the water with no problems and THEN die? Shouldn't the load appear as soon as the outdrive is under water?

 

[Don S]

Re: Trouble in the Water

Check your timing and set it to specs. If the timing is way off, it may run fine until you put it in the water with back pressure on the exhaust.

 

[honeys money]

Re: Trouble in the Water

When at home on muffs, you have motor cover open? My came off about 10 miles from launch, kept dying, had a friend hold the cover open and ran all the way home, not enough oxygen for the engine to run.