Boat wont start

[amazing2926]

Little help guys.. I just bought a 1981 Searay and first 5 or 6 turns of the key she fired up with no issues or hesitation. Went out saturday, turned the boat around in the slip to be ass in and came back sunday and the boat would not start. It tries, but just keeps revving like its not getting any spark. I bought new batteries, same result. Couple observations... Only difference is I tried starting while connected to shore power just to let it warm up, is there an override while on shore power to not send spark to motor? How do I check my spark plugs.. really trying to avoid calling a mechanic out cause I want to learn this on my own. thanks

 

[billnpat]

Little help guys.. I just bought a 1981 Searay and first 5 or 6 turns of the key she fired up with no issues or hesitation. Went out saturday, turned the boat around in the slip to be ass in and came back sunday and the boat would not start. It tries, but just keeps revving like its not getting any spark. I bought new batteries, same result. Couple observations... Only difference is I tried starting while connected to shore power just to let it warm up, is there an override while on shore power to not send spark to motor? How do I check my spark plugs.. really trying to avoid calling a mechanic out cause I want to learn this on my own. thanks

I start mine all the time connected to S.P. no issues yet....

 

[Lazy Daze]

By chance, does you boat have a "cut-off" switch near the helm? It could be mounted on the throttle/gear handle or it could be a stand alone item.

Spark testers are about $5 at a local parts (auto) store.

 

[amazing2926]

not to my knowledge... The other odd thing is when i switch to battery 2 alone, I turn key and it clicks like there is a dead battery, but i just changed both with brand new. when on 1 or 1+2, it turns over hard, just doesnt ignite.

 

[mysticowner]

Is there power to the coil, that is the first question that needs answered.

Did you take off the dist cap for a look inside?

If you have insulated pliers you could pull a plug wire at the cap and hold it near the cap. If it's firing you should be able to hear it crack.

Could be be a float sticking thus no fuel.

 

[Lazy Daze]

The battery problem is likely a separate issue, so let's deal with that later, but some things to think about/check out... did this just start when you replaced the batteries? First thing to always check is connections - clean and tight? Follow the battery cables everywhere they go (including the back of the selector switch). What happens if you switch the batteries?

Check at the coil or a plug - do whatever is easiest for you. Both are good methods and will suffice for this situation.

 

[amazing2926]

Thanks Mystic... I can smell gas, so I dont think fuel is the problem.. I am very new to motor work, so I have not yet removed the distributor. Can you give me a step by step at what to do and look for once i pull off the cap?

 

[amazing2926]

thanks Lazy... No this started before I change the batteries... I changed the batteries cause it didnt seem like it was getting quite enough FIRE power to the motor. But same results after, so the issue wasnt with the battery. Not sure why battery 2 is not making good connection, but you are right, that is an outside issue! Any tips on checking the coil?

 

[Gunn]

Since you are smelling fuel, do what Dennis and the others suggested; see if you are getting spark next. With one of these nifty gadgets ($4.99), its easy.

And if you are smelling fuel, you could check to make sure the choke is not stuck closed (remove engine cover and spark arrestor on carb). This would not allow the engine to completely start or run for more than a couple of seconds. Just another easy thing to check.

 

[mysticowner]

I'm wondering if it wasn't flooded. Go to neutral and open the throttle wide open, then crank it over for about 25 seconds
and see if it lights.
If no joy.
Do you have a multi meter that will read DC Volts?
If yes put the red lead on the pos side of the coil and ground the other lead. Turn on the ignition and verify you are getting
power to the coil. If not back track to the ignition switch.

If it's trying to start it makes me think its only flooded.

For the distributor you aren't taking it OUT just taking the dist cap off the top of it. There are a couple small bolts going through the cap holding it down.

You just want to look inside to make sure the rotor and the cap contacts look ok. You're looking for heavy corrosion on the top cap contacts and or rotor. If it's there replace them.

 

[amazing2926]

you guys are awesome! I will give all this a shot and report back! thanks again

 

[Lazy Daze]

Just adding to what Mystic said (for your own piece of mind)... taking the cap off is very straight forward - you can't really mess anything up (there's only one way it comes off and goes back on).