Starting question (1989)

[dantheman]

They launched my boat Friday, I went to start it, and they both fired up after only about ten seconds each. normally, it would crank for about 25 seconds before the fuel would make it to the cylinders or something.. so anyone know why it would normally take so much cranking to get them to start? both engines do it the same, and weirdly enough, both engines cranked up really much sooner than normally expected, i know, just be happy they started, but someone might know what's going on with how it takes so much cranking to get them going (usually). now that's when it's cold, warm starting you just touch the key and it's running.. thanks, Dan

 

[Jimmy Buoy]

Your era boat most likely would have carberated engines. The gas in the carb's will evaporate over time after being shut down. I had a 1989 Dancer with a single 454 and found it started easier if I advanced the throttle repeatedly (5-7 times) which would pump some fuel into the throttle body before cranking. Then while cranking, advance the throttle repeatedly from idle to half and back until you hear it fire. This greatly reduced cranking time required for a cold engine for me.

Also check your choke linkage to see if your throttle plates are closing after pumping the throttle, but before you crank. Might just be a problem with choke.

I don't miss this "pumping" process, now that I have EFI engines - but I do miss the peace of mind that comes with the simplicity of the older carb'd engines. It sure is easier to diagnose/repair engine issues usually, without being connected to a diagnostic computer!

Hope this helps.

 

[SCORPIO]

Here is my procedure for cold starting following an extended sit: Crank engine ten seconds, then pump throttle 3-4 times to full thottle, then let it slightly advanced and crank again, engine usually fires in a few seconds. Its caused by what Jim mentioned, evaporation of gas from the carbs, takes a few seconds of cranking to refill teh fuel bowls. I know of a guy who installed an electric fuel priming pump to do this without the need to crank the engine, kind of like on an airplane. I personally like cranking the engine as I figure the oil has drained back to the pan during the same time frame so a little cranking gets some oil up thru the engine.