Starboard Engine Won't Start - Crusader 270 @ Trojan F-36

[Punx]

I bought the boat 5 days ago and drove it home. The trip took about 45 minutes, we were cruising around 14knts and the engine heat didn't not surpass 135. The marina we bought it from did not have the battery charger on, so we drained them all in a matter of 4 days. I re-charged the batteries, the port engine fired up immediately, and the starboard one turns over, but will not start, or fire up, or even sound like it's getting any gas. I'm going to try some ether tonight to see if that works. Any other suggestions?

Note: Both gas tanks were filled where we bought the boat.

[capn_billl]

I would start by checking the plugs. If the engine is getting gas, but not firing the plugs should be wet. If the plugs show an abnormality, (burned, carbon, oil, pitting, etc...), that will go a long way to finding the problem.

Check the distributer, if it is cracked or wet, or corroded? Check the wires.

I would put the ether on hold until I had checked everything else. Also check the gas and filters, ethanol gas has a tendancy to absorb water and seperate, even though tanks were topped off, it is still possible one tank was exposed to more sunshine and has degradation of the fuel.

[Punx]

I'll check all that as soon as I get to the boat tonight. I'm just a little confused because it was perfect 5 days ago, and was running for over an hour. So yeah, I'll check it tonight and let you know how I fare.

Thanks!

[Don1500]

+1 on electrical (spark) problem. Could have been dry when you started it the first time, then got wet during the run home. Plugs, Wires, etc.

[Punx]

Pulled the plugs. They're barely getting a spark. I can see em sparking but just barely, even if i've got all the lights off.

[Punx]

also, I'm not sure if it really matters, but is it normal to get shocked if you're holding the wire when testing the spark?

[xxuxx]

LOL yes it is normal. Sounds like the apothicator to me.

[Tellie]

Originally Posted by Punx

also, I'm not sure if it really matters, but is it normal to get shocked if you're holding the wire when testing the spark?

It's a good thing to be a well grounded person.

[skipmac]

What's normal is to get knocked on your can by the shock. If you only got a tingle then you're missing something.

[Strygaldwir]

take a screwdriver handle and tap the carburetor bowl, sometimes the float sticks. Take the air filter off, look down the throat of the carburetor and pull the accelerator cable. You should see gas squirting down the barrel. If not, you're out of gas, figuratively. You'll have to figure out why after that. (I am assuming this is 1975 and no fuel injections.

[Punx]

I swapped carbs and it ran for a while. I'm suspecting that it was just running on what was left over in the bowl. It slowly sputtered out and would not start again. When I pushed the little thingy on the carb that squirts gas into it, it made a squish noise, but no gas. I traced the fuel lines back to the 1st fuel pump. Not the one attached to the block, but the first one mounted at the back of the engine bay directly after the water separator. When I took off the hose leading OUT of this pump, there was no gas. I left it detached and turned the key and it is not sending any gas. It is getting power, but nothing is getting through. I pulled of the hose leading IN to this pump, and dislodged a small piece of deteriorated rubber from the fuel line.

1) I'm going to take the pump apart and see where that gets me.
2) I would like to replace all the fuel lines though, is there a good place online to order this in bulk? Or would any car-parts store carry this?

[skipmac]

For a boat, especially gasoline powered, it is highly recommended to use hose certified for marine use. I ordered mine online from Go2marine.com.

[Punx]

Some of the lines that are running are black, some are red. Are these color coded for a reason? Or can I just run all red lines?

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by Punx

Some of the lines that are running are black, some are red. Are these color coded for a reason? Or can I just run all red lines?

You are referring to the fuel lines? Never heard of a color code for fuel lines but I could be wrong. On my boat they are all black.

Skip

[Strygaldwir]

Hmmm... Not sure about marine gasoline line. I'd think any quality line rated for GASOLINE would also be suitable for a marine environment. Hey Gord any words of wisdom on this?

Sounds like you have found the core issue however. I'd make certain I put in new fuel filters while I was at it. Rebuild kits for the pump are probably very cost effective and the diaphrams that are in the rebuild kits do tend to go after 10 years or so, so you're well off to replace them.