Generator won't start - the engine kicks over but won't stay started

[Soul Mate II]

Good evening Club SeaRayers...

I have a 340 DA and the generator won't fully start. I have run it at least once ever two weeks but yesterday, got nothing.

I hold the Preheat for a couple of seconds then then the start run button. It turns over but won't stay on - any ideas???

The light at the helm is lite red (the boat on the cockpit dash)

Anyone???

 

[fc3]

Set RUN and hold PREHEAT 20 seconds before attempting to start. That will run the fuel pump to fill the carb bowl. While PREHEAT is held and RUN is on, you should, with the engine hatch open, hear the fuel pump running. Should make a ticking sound. Also, while checking that the fuel pump is running, ensure that the solenoid on the carburetor is closing the choke when PREHEAT is on. If both are okay, check that there is spark from the ignition system to the plugs. A tester or holding one of the plug wires close to ground should show if it's okay or not.

The red light means nothing during engine start. It's lights when the RUN switch is engaged and there's no oil pressure. Sea Ray installs a second oil pressure sender to trigger that warning. It doesn't mean anything because without the engine running, there should be little oil pressure.

 

[Alex F]

In this case service history might play a big role. Obvious questions would be, when was the last time spark plug changed? When was the last time fuel side serviced (fuel filter)?


If you can confirm that those are fine and the clean fuel is pumping, then I'd start looking at the caroburator as a possible cause.

 

[scoflaw]

Not sure what genny you have, but if it's gas that preheat button does nothing and is used for diesel application only. Electric fuel pump works off a solenoid, and as soon as the genny start button is on , it is too.
The electric choke, which is probably your problem, is spring loaded and when cold is in the closed position. There is a vacuum line attached to it that opens it slightly upon starting. The spring is wired to voltage that slowly opens the choke fully as it heats up.

 

[dpmulvey]

Not sure what genny you have, but if it's gas that preheat button does nothing and is used for diesel application only. Electric fuel pump works off a solenoid, and as soon as the genny start button is on , it is too.
The electric choke, which is probably your problem, is spring loaded and when cold is in the closed position. There is a vacuum line attached to it that opens it slightly upon starting. The spring is wired to voltage that slowly opens the choke fully as it heats up.

On my 4.5 gas carbed model, the preheat closed the electric choke.

I've since changed Gennies.

 

[dpmulvey]

Good evening Club SeaRayers...

I have a 340 DA and the generator won't fully start. I have run it at least once ever two weeks but yesterday, got nothing.

I hold the Preheat for a couple of seconds then then the start run button. It turns over but won't stay on - any ideas???

The light at the helm is lite red (the boat on the cockpit dash)

Anyone???

“IF” you are working from the cabin…..I had the same problem on my old gennie. There is a reset procedure that involves going to the gennie itself and manipulating the switches on the gennie. Google your model and reset procedures. There should be some help out there. I wish I could remember exactly what it was, but anything I tell you now would be a stab in the dark at best.

Can't speak to a dash light.