engine dragging

cobraxrr

Cadet
Joined
Mar 17, 2012
Messages
9
Hi I have a 1978 chrysler 140 that i just got the head redone on. and im haveing somewhat of a problem starting it. its weird when ive got it at the house and i put the ear muffs on it and turn it over it seems to turn over ok but the minute i take it to the water and put it in the water the dang thing drags when im starting it. it will eventually start spinning over better after ive tryed it a couple of times. then once its warmed up it seems to crank over just fine. the motor runs just fine after i get it cranked up its just that initial start up that im haveing a problem with.

thanks
 

foodfisher

Captain
Joined
Feb 18, 2009
Messages
3,756
Re: engine dragging

Proper startup procedure? Fouled plugs and compromised fuel recirculating system will make starting difficult.
 

cobraxrr

Cadet
Joined
Mar 17, 2012
Messages
9
Re: engine dragging

Proper startup procedure? Fouled plugs and compromised fuel recirculating system will make starting difficult.

Hi Foodfisher thanks for the reply. the procedure i use is i pump the gas bulb up till its good and hard then i push the key in to choke the engine and turn the key the motor will spin over most of the time but sometimes it will drag like the battery is going dead but i know the battery is good. it seems to do it on the power stroke or the compression stroke not sure what to call it but after it gets past this part it will spin over great. and after i get the motor started and it warms up it will crank everytime mostly on the first revolution of the flywheel. just put 4 brand new plugs in it and a new starter. the fuel system seems to be ok i get plenty of gas in the carbs. its weird,twice ive went out into the yard and put the water ears on the motor and spin it over till it cranks up and then i get everything ready and take her down to the water put her in the water and when i try starting it the darn thing drags and hardly wants to spin over. not sure whats going on.
 

foodfisher

Captain
Joined
Feb 18, 2009
Messages
3,756
Re: engine dragging

Take the battery to an auto parts store and have it load tested. Fully charged doesn't mean fully capable. edit: just noticed on the startup you didn't mention fast idle on the throttle. I'm sure it's just an oversite. When in the water there is backpressure not present in the driveway., Giving me the suspicion the battery is to weak to handle the added strain
 

cobraxrr

Cadet
Joined
Mar 17, 2012
Messages
9
Re: engine dragging

Take the battery to an auto parts store and have it load tested. Fully charged doesn't mean fully capable.

I did and they told me it was working just fine. i also baught a new deep cycle battery while i was there and it does the same thing with either battery.
 

foodfisher

Captain
Joined
Feb 18, 2009
Messages
3,756
Re: engine dragging

Then we're into starter and connections territory (electrics), my weakest area.
 

riptorn

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Mar 8, 2012
Messages
433
Re: engine dragging

How long have you owned the motor and is the same oil mixture applied at refills?
Maybe do a compression test.
 

MJS

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jun 4, 2009
Messages
124
Re: engine dragging

Is it the right battery, cranking amps, or did you just grab a battery. The deep cycle battery is not made for starting engines either. Just make sure it has plenty of cold cranking amps.
 

jerryjerry05

Supreme Mariner
Joined
May 7, 2008
Messages
18,183
Re: engine dragging

First take the starter apart and clean it.Real easy job.
Make sure the compression #s are good.
A new rebuild?? I've seen head gaskets go after a few minutes.
Then check the timing.J
 
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