will not start

[timothy676]

I have a 87 bayliner with 4cyl 131aq, I'm trying to get it started for the first time this year and it will crank but just will not turn over and start up. Plugs wires cap and rotor are all fine. Battey is fully charged. It is getting spark. I have used starter fluid but still just can get her to go. I do not have a water/fuel serperator, how do I tell if it is water in the fuel and how much water would it take for it not to start. Any ideas??

 

[B_Eager]

Re: will not start

Did you try changing the plugs with new ones? Did you mixe up the plug wires?

 

[timothy676]

Re: will not start

All the wires are still in the same order. Pulled the plugs and they are fine, no need to replace them..

 

[Bondo]

Re: will not start

It takes Fuel, Fire,+ Compression, At the Right Time, to run an engine......<br />You're Missing 1 of them....

 

[lingr]

Re: will not start

this may be quite obvious, but has happened to some friends of mine before. try checking the safty cut-off switch near the wheel. If that is OK, you might have a gummed up carb, depending on how long you stored the boat and if you added stabilizer.

 

[timothy676]

Re: will not start

I don't think I have a 2nd safty shut off, just a nutral lock for starting, I'm thinking that I have water in the fuel, the tank was not topped off at the end of last year. I live in wisconsin and it was a odd winter.. cold then warm then cold again.. great conditions for condinsation in the tank. I'm hopping to drain the tank and start with fresh gas, this weekend. If that doesn't work, I have run out of ideas. So If anyone can think of something else please let me know.

 

[Solittle]

Re: will not start

You could check for water in the fuel by disconnecting the fuel line at the carb, putting a short rubber hose over the end of the fuel line and the other in a clear glass jar. Crank the motor over to get some fuel in the jar and have a look see.

 

[timothy676]

Re: will not start

I decided to pull the fual intake hose from the tank and run it to a tank with fresh gas, cleaned out the carb of any gas it was holding and cleaned out gas that was sitting in the intake. I then cranked the boat using fresh fual. Same results cranks fine but will bot turn over. I did notice however that when the carb it left open and the boat is cranked flames shot out of the carb. I know not a safe or wise move. however it got me to thinking, is it possible that the carb needs major adjusting and I'm not getting the correct air fual mix? It ran fine last year. started everytime simply by turning the key.. All good thing must come to an end.

 

[iwldntli2u]

Re: will not start

Check the distrubutor. Flames out the carb could mean you have some type of timing problem. <br />Check-<br />1. Fuel in Carb.<br />2. Spark<br />3. Compression and Air<br /><br />You have all these items start with the distributor. Do you have point? Could be shot.<br />Good Luck!

 

[Crazy]

Re: will not start

First thing ..... the motor was stuck right ? Check the compression of the motor you may have some broken rings . Also it sat for some time right ? Clean out your carb .... have it rebuilt you may have some crap in there . to check for a broken ring .... after your compression check the cyl's that are low ... put some oil in them and if your compression comes up ... replace your rings ... if not , your valves need to be replaced . Good luck .

 

[mkast]

Re: will not start

Where in Wisconsin do you live?

 

[Boatin Bob]

Re: will not start

Crazy....I don't think he said it was ever stuck, just trying to start it for the first time this year. I think Ski Rob is on the right path with the timing, it's possible the chain jumped a tooth.

 

[timothy676]

Re: will not start

I live in racine.

 

[timothy676]

Re: will not start

well I was back out there trying to start it again, I pulled the linkage to the carb, and had someone hold it slightly open and cranked the motor. It would get close to turning over but will still not start, just chug chug chug... I pulled a plug and grounded it out. I'm getting good spark. How can i check the timing under these conditions. I know i could mark the distributor and start slowly moving it and see if she will start up.. It this the next step or am i still missing something simple. If i'm getting spark and combustion and have clean gas what else could there be left. also there in no water in any of the clyinders and the oil shows no sign of water either.

 

[iwldntli2u]

Re: will not start

A timing lite would be best. but if you do not have one mark the disributor and turn slowly while cranking to start. If this does not work a timing lite is a must. This will allow you to see if the timing has jumped. <br />Did you replce the cap?<br />Did you replace the rotor?<br />Are you sure that the firing order of the plugs is correct?<br />Sounds like a timing issue. Take your time and start will small steps. Keep at it and make sure your battery is charged. I'm sure it will start with a little effort and a lot of trouble shooting.<br />Good luck!!

 

[akriverrat]

Re: will not start

if this is volvos overhead cam four banger you most likely jumped cam timing. common problem. remember it being fairly straightforward wrenching job but it has been fifteen years

 

[timothy676]

Re: will not start

well I spent the day out there again trying to get it started, removed carb and cleaned out, was unable to move the distributor to adjust timing because it will not move, seems to be about 10 years since someone adjusted it at all and is stuck in place. however I was able to get it running for short amounts of time 30 seconds or so having one person crank and someone else hold throtal open. I was not running good but Thats as close as I have come to having her run. So I'm guessing the carb will need major adjustment or rebuild, but I don't think that is the only thing wrong.

 

[timothy676]

Re: will not start

latest update.. got her running for about 3 minutes real rough, gave it just a little gas and she killed out and will not start back up again. I'm going out to buy a timming gun. any other ideas??

 

[timothy676]

Re: will not start

thanks for the help guys!! i got it running today. I was able to get the distributor loose enough to turn it and was able to get it started. I did buy a timming light so now that she is running i will try to set it correctly.

 

[hoot]

Re: will not start

look at all the experience and knowledge you gained by not giving up. timing lights are very useful too.