Volvo Penta 4.3GL Won't Fire

[jcornell26]

Hey All, New boat owner, n00b engine guy so please be gentle.

I have a 2001 Galaxie Deckboat 1800 w/ VP 4.3 GL 190 hp V6. I have been having to disconnect the battery terminals when not in use, as it drains power from somewhere (not sure where, that is for another thread). I replaced the battery today as the other one was shot. Put the new battery in, and tried firing it, nadda. Last weekend she died on me cause of the battery and had to get a jump out on the lake. Got it started on 2 separate occasions, but after 10 seconds, just died. After that it wouldn't start with a jumped battery and towed her in.Well, in the midst of trying to start her I figured it got flooded, so I checked the spark plugs today. They were all pretty fried, so I also replaced all 6.

This is what I get when I turn the key over.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9k8tXay63MU&list=UUpHEVrU6fiX4aPtQ4Ue_j2w&index=1&feature=plcp

It seems like its either not getting enough air from the carburetor or it could be a wiring issue? I really don't know enough about engines to diagnose, and that's why I am turning to the good folks here.

Another thing I thought was/is very strange. My negative terminal cable got super hot today while I was trying to start it. I actually burnt my fingers on the post with that houses the nuts. The actual cable itself was very hot too. That is not normal I assume?

 

[Maclin]

Re: Volvo Penta 4.3GL Won't Fire

Cables getting hot indicates too much current draw for the size of the cable. That is usually due to corroded connections, or the cable itself having wicked up corrosion at one end or the other. It could be due to internal problems with the starter also, but start with the cables and connections when troubleshooting.

I would remove all cables, positive and negative, and wire brush all ends and terminal connections on the components. Check for stiffness in the cables at the end, that is a sign of wicked up corrosion which causes extra resistance and higher current draw before it even gets to the component. Replace any cables that are not pliable throughout their whole length.

 

[kelleyja]

Re: Volvo Penta 4.3GL Won't Fire

Sounds like you have a couple of issues, should be interesting to solve

To start you'll need spark and gas. Since you are already having electrical problems, I'd probably check to make sure you have spark first. To check spark, I have always pulled one of the plugs and grounded the metal threaded body against the engine block. You'll be able to see the spark jump the gap while cranking the engine. I'm sure there is a more professional way to do that, but that will work. Obviously stay away from the spark and hold it with something non conductive or you'll get a heck of a shock.

I'd also check the alternator. It sounds to me like your draining the battery while underway. The boat dies, then you jump it, and it runs until it depletes the battery charge again. Rinse and repeat.

 

[jcornell26]

Re: Volvo Penta 4.3GL Won't Fire

Cables getting hot indicates too much current draw for the size of the cable. That is usually due to corroded connections, or the cable itself having wicked up corrosion at one end or the other. It could be due to internal problems with the starter also, but start with the cables and connections when troubleshooting.

Here is a pic of my alternator, would you say those need a good cleaning.


@kelleyja - It's going to be hard to tell if it's the alternator since I can;t get it to run to see where the battery is operating. Isn't it if the boat is running at 12volts or less the alternator isn't working? It should be at 14 volts while running correct?

Aside from those issues, any thoughts on why it won't start?

 

[kelleyja]

Re: Volvo Penta 4.3GL Won't Fire

@kelleyja - It's going to be hard to tell if it's the alternator since I can;t get it to run to see where the battery is operating.

Good point :facepalm:

Yes you should see over 12v if the alternator is charging. This is a complete hunch and possibly a wild-goose-chase but read this thread:

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=489276

The alternator controls the fuel pump relay, and can fail which can cause the fuel pump to run and drain the battery when the engine is stopped.... Looks pretty easy to check and may explain your battery draining issues.

 

[jcornell26]

Re: Volvo Penta 4.3GL Won't Fire

When I first got the boat and had a tune up, the mechanic caught that the fuel pump was "always on" and draining the battery, to which he fixed.

I found this online manual and read that the pump wiring is protected by a 6 A circuit breaker.
http://www.appletonpier.com/auctionsourcedotnet/boat/volvo penta marine engine owners manual.pdf

If a pump does not operate and/or the engine will not start, check and reset the circuit breaker.

 

[Don S]

Re: Volvo Penta 4.3GL Won't Fire

1. Clean all the rust off all the electrical connections, especially on the starter you pictured (It's not the alternator)

2. Hook the purple wire back up on the starter. That is what puts full cranking voltage to the ignition system.

3. Check for spark. Remove the coil wire out of the center of the distributor cap. Hold the end of the wire about 1/2" from a clean ground (no paint) and crank the engine. You should get a bright blue arc that snaps easily across the gap.

4. If you have spark, then remove the flame arrestor and squirt some gas into the carb and try to start it.

Report your findings.

 

[jcornell26]

Re: Volvo Penta 4.3GL Won't Fire

1. Clean all the rust off all the electrical connections, especially on the starter you pictured (It's not the alternator)

Ha! See that's why I am here.

2. Hook the purple wire back up on the starter. That is what puts full cranking voltage to the ignition system.

I was wondering about that loose purple wire. That is supposed to be connected?

3. Check for spark. Remove the coil wire out of the center of the distributor cap. Hold the end of the wire about 1/2" from a clean ground (no paint) and crank the engine. You should get a bright blue arc that snaps easily across the gap.

4. If you have spark, then remove the flame arrestor and squirt View attachment 146544 some gas into the carb and try to start it.

Report your findings.

Will do. Thanks for your response Don S!

 

[Don S]

Re: Volvo Penta 4.3GL Won't Fire

I was wondering about that loose purple wire. That is supposed to be connected?

Yes, it bolts on the starter solenoid on that small rusty terminal with the loose rusty nut

 

[jcornell26]

Re: Volvo Penta 4.3GL Won't Fire

Yes, it bolts on the starter solenoid on that small rusty terminal with the loose rusty nut

10-4. Could this be the reason my battery cables are hot? Do wires come loose often like this? It doesn't appear to be broken.

 

[Don S]

Re: Volvo Penta 4.3GL Won't Fire

That didn't come loose, it was never installed when the starter was put on.

No, it will not be the reason the cables got hot. Thats from rust and corrosion, and cranking for a long time without it starting.

 

[Maclin]

Re: Volvo Penta 4.3GL Won't Fire

Here is a pic of my alternator, would you say those need a good cleaning.
View attachment 146534

I see that Don S already straighened you out on what that component you have pictured really is. As for the cables and connections broken or otherwise, uh, wow, I, uh, wow. That may just be the best ever textbook picture of the corrosion I was describing and thus the root cause of most of your symptoms.

 

[jcornell26]

Re: Volvo Penta 4.3GL Won't Fire

****Update*****
I cleaned up the corroded/rusty starter terminals. I love my Dremel tool! Below is the before and after. I also attached that purple wire that was hanging loose.


IRT Don S. I did as you said, and the spark plugs are operating correctly. Got a nice arc of spark from the plug to ground. I however, did not put and gas down the carb and try to start. I had to run out, but will do so tomorrow. So I am getting spark, it must be something with the engine not getting fuel right? There is a circuit breaker for the fuel pump but it didn't appear to be tripped.

 

[jcornell26]

Re: Volvo Penta 4.3GL Won't Fire

My mechanic came by yesterday, and he got her started. He was actually kind of stumped as to why it wouldn't start. He thinks it either had water in the lines are was severely flooded. He physically choked the carb with a rag and she fired up.

He checked the alternator and that is running fine a 14 volts, so tat is good. We'll see how she runs this weekend over memorial Day Weekend. Wish me luck!