What are the possible causes of....

[esemrad]

My inboard starts really well when we put it in the water and when it's been sitting a while. The problem is when we are tubing/skiing. When I shut off the engine for a few minutes while getting people in and out of the water it takes a while to start up. I have to throttle up and usually takes about 5-10 seconds to get the motor going. Shouldn't it start up right away in those situations? Thanks.

 

[JustJason]

Re: What are the possible causes of....

It should start right up.

Couple of things to check.

1. Make sure the choke on the carb is lightly seated when cold, and fully open when hot.
2. Towing is hard on an engine, and raises it's internal temps (outside of what you see on the temp gauge) Before you shut her down to pick people up in the water, you need to pull it back into neutral and let it idle for 2 minutes before you shut it off.

Start with that and see how you make out.

 

[EddiePetty]

Re: What are the possible causes of....

It should start right up.

Before you shut her down to pick people up in the water, you need to pull it back into neutral and let it idle for 2 minutes before you shut it off.

....and I agree fully. Use this time to slowly return to your fallen victims and during tow rope recovery.
Additionally, the next time this happens, remove the flame arrester and note is any liquid gasoline is present in the carbs throat or lying in a puddle beneath the butterfly(s). A carb re-build may be in your future.

 

[achris]

Re: What are the possible causes of....

My inboard starts really well when we put it in the water and when it's been sitting a while. The problem is when we are tubing/skiing. When I shut off the engine for a few minutes while getting people in and out of the water it takes a while to start up. I have to throttle up and usually takes about 5-10 seconds to get the motor going. Shouldn't it start up right away in those situations? Thanks.

2 questions.

1. What engine?
2. Why are you turning the engine off? Being in neutral is enough. The gear shift lever has a lockout on to prevent it being accidentally moved into gear. If it doesn't and you are doing a lot of tow sports, upgrade it to one that does.

Chris.........