volvo penta 4.3GL starting problem?

[waterx117]

Trying to locate a problem. My motor seemed to start fine when first put in the water. For a few minutes anyhow. While warming up it would die and be very difficult to start. Once started and underway everything runs normally (oil pressure and RPM). I stopped suddenly and the motor stalled. Would not restart. Checked the fuel and its getting fuel. Fuel pump has pressure. Gas was drained two weeks ago and new gas on this trip. Checked the plugs. Burn looks good has spark doesn't appear to be flooded. Removed all plugs and cranked checking for water and none present. Cranked for a bit and noticed a puff of smoke back up through the carb. Have fuel spark compression and no water. Any ideas what to check next?

 

[Maclin]

Re: volvo penta 4.3GL starting problem?

The spark has to happen at the right time, so if spark is good and fuel is there in the carb and you can see it spray into the bores when the throttle is moved then I would look at the distributor cap and rotor, and als make sure it is spinning ok.

 

[waterx117]

Re: volvo penta 4.3GL starting problem?

A little corrosion on the distributor cap. Rotor spun freely. Purchased a new distributor cap. I hats to give up. Anyone have any other thoughts?

 

[Maclin]

Re: volvo penta 4.3GL starting problem?

With engine not running, you should be able to turn the rotor a few degress only in one direction with some resistance then it will stop, and snap back to where it was. If it does not act like that then the mechanical advance springs may have broken or you may have other problems with the distributor.

There are weights under the plate in the distributor that move outwards as the rpms increase, they are spring loaded, this action provides the mechanical distributor advance the engine wants at 2000 rpm and above.

 

[waterx117]

Re: volvo penta 4.3GL starting problem?

Finally got home to check this. It rotates counter clockwise while looking down on it just about 2-3 degrees. Then springs back. Sounds like this is working fine. When the boat sits for a long period it will start right up for about 2 seconds then dies. I am wondering if it is just flooding out and w carbon problem getting too much fuel?