Volvo 4.3GL starting problems

[bijou22]

I have a Wellcraft 21SL with a Volvo Penta 4.3GL Petrol and a Cobra SX leg.On times when I turn the key there is absolutely no response at all and other times it starts perfectly. Also when I am at sea the boat cuts out on me and then will start when it feels like. Really need some help.

 

[Don S]

Re: Volvo 4.3GL starting problems

What year engine, they have different electrical and fuel setups. Better would be the model number something like 4.3GLABCDE <br />The last 5 letters is what we need.<br />When you say absolutly no response, do you mean the engine cranks but doesn't start or it doesn't even crank? Big difference.

 

[bijou22]

Re: Volvo 4.3GL starting problems

thanks for the quick reply. the engine is a 1996 model year and is a 4.3GL PLKD if this helps.The engine does not even crank when the problem arises so I was thinking maybe electrical problem.

 

[Don S]

Re: Volvo 4.3GL starting problems

When you turn the ignition switch to the run position, do the engine instruments come on or do you have a total power failure? Any clicking sounds or anything?

 

[bijou22]

Re: Volvo 4.3GL starting problems

When it fails to start the engine instruments do not work either.

 

[Don S]

Re: Volvo 4.3GL starting problems

Check the battery cables, are they all clean and tight (Loose the wing nuts, get regular nuts and tighten them with a wrench)<br />Check both the positive and negative cables. Any cables with frayed ends should be replaced with new cables properly sized, crimped, soldered, and heat shrinked.<br />Also, check the main circuit breaker next time it fails, see if it's going bad on you.<br />Another possibility is the main engine harness plug.

 

[maphillips3]

Re: Volvo 4.3GL starting problems

I had a similar problem, check all grounds bolted to the engine, and make sure they are clean.

 

[hoot]

Re: Volvo 4.3GL starting problems

key switch going bad?

 

[bijou22]

Re: Volvo 4.3GL starting problems

where can i find the main engine harness plug? and how can i detect failiure of the main circuit breaker?

 

[bijou22]

Re: Volvo 4.3GL starting problems

how can i check if the key switch is going bad? many thanks for all your replies, there are some great ideas here.

 

[brian101571]

Re: Volvo 4.3GL starting problems

I just had a similar problem and it was a loose wire on the back of the kill switch (the one the lanyard hooks to)

 

[bijou22]

Re: Volvo 4.3GL starting problems

if i undid the kill switch totally, and tried this for a while and the boat then started ok, would this be the way to nail the problem