1 month no use = no go

[definitiveaqua]

Tried to take the boat out today for the first time since the 4th and it had a little hesitation but started and idled just fine. Got about 20 feet from the dock and started to throttle up and she killed. Tried to start it again started back up let it idle for a few thinking maybe it needed a minute - same problem. Third time = nothing wont even crank.

Since I bought this boat this year I have replaced all the top of the engine gaskets, the starter and the right exhaust manifold.

I opened the engine bay and noticed some water and transmission fluid (bright red assume thats from a hydraulic line) running out from the very bottom center rear of the engine (using the term loosly because I cant see under there) basically it lined up with the oil/water separator. It wasn't super fast but it wasnt just a drip either.

Any ideas where to start this time?

oops - its a '91 4.3

 

[Randy J]

Re: 1 month no use = no go

back left rear of motor & hose left side runs under spark plugs will be power steering hose. maybe dry rot. it connects at rear to grey painted metal water/power steering fluid cooler, but since ur seeing red fluid theres also 2 more lines connect to that metal tube that has ps fluid runs thru it also.. use a good light & mirror to see it. ok dont gripe about my typing my lap top keyboard is shorted out so i cant type with it. i took45 min to type this as t have to find letters to copy& paste to make sentences.

 

[definitiveaqua]

Re: 1 month no use = no go

you think that would make it not even crank too? Because before the starter was turning the motor and it was a brand new starter... or perhaps the starter just burned out and the hose is bad?

and appreciate you taking the time to copy and paste! lol

 

[definitiveaqua]

Re: 1 month no use = no go

..and in a moment of panic I just went out and turned the motor over by hand she still turns.

 

[Randy J]

Re: 1 month no use = no go

check safety kill switch ,i pull the cord push button up down several times. then put it back on. then u have [2] 30amp glass fuses rear top side of engine in a rubber boot they can blow or ends get corroded or wear thin from vibration, 1 is for tilt, other main power. then can check wires to starter,battery cables etc.for corrison etc. i quit usng wing nut connection, put new bat cables with the regular big posts use. no more get loose and hot connection. orielly auto marine batterys have bad new wing nut posts..a defect went thru 5 in 6 weeks till figured that out.if starter bad get rebuilt at a local shop. cheaper &Faster think that should cover it good luck

 

[airdvr1227]

Re: 1 month no use = no go

I would suggest letting a professional look at it. Not much good having a boat that you throw money at but can't use.

 

[definitiveaqua]

Re: 1 month no use = no go

check safety kill switch ,i pull the cord push button up down several times. then put it back on. then u have [2] 30amp glass fuses rear top side of engine in a rubber boot they can blow or ends get corroded or wear thin from vibration, 1 is for tilt, other main power. then can check wires to starter,battery cables etc.for corrison etc. i quit usng wing nut connection, put new bat cables with the regular big posts use. no more get loose and hot connection. orielly auto marine batterys have bad new wing nut posts..a defect went thru 5 in 6 weeks till figured that out.if starter bad get rebuilt at a local shop. cheaper &Faster think that should cover it good luck

Going to check that out.... one more thing I am wondering - the last time I tried to start it I pushed the safety button in and put the throttle forward slightly could there be something in the throttle?


And I will take it to a shop if I have to but there is not sense in taking it in and paying someone a 100 bucks to replace a .25 fuse - the other reason is that everyone in my area has like a two week backup.

 

[Randy J]

Re: 1 month no use = no go

ok thoughts...did you pull shift lever out so it will be in neutral? if pushed foward w/o a pull out it engages the switch to keep from starting. in gear?

 

[Randy J]

Re: 1 month no use = no go

air all boats are money pits,,new is only new till the 1st start up then its used

 

[definitiveaqua]

Re: 1 month no use = no go

yup i did pull it out because I figured that it might run better if it started in a little higher rpm. then I put it back to neutral and it still wouldnt work.