Engine flooding at ramp

[switzer140]

Need some help figuring out what im doing wrong today was our second time taking the boat out and both times ha e had trouble with engine flooding on the ramp. Its a 78 evinrude 140 runs fine at home starts on the muffs every time with one crank. Drive 45 min to the lake get it in the water and no start crank on it so much fuel is coming out of the exhaust. First time we got lucky and started after about 5 mins. Today we spent about an hour and a half trying to get it started 3 different times. Drove 45 minutes home put the muffs on it 1st crank fired right up and ran fine. I dont get it. Maybe doing something wrong in the process of starting it at the lake?

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: Engine flooding at ramp

(Engine Won't Start or Hard Starting In Water)
(Joe Reeves)

The Evinrude and Johnson engines, starting in 1973, have what is called Magneto Capacitance Discharge ignition, self contained, not dependent on battery voltage. The engine must turn over at least 300 rpms in order for the flywheel magnets rotating past the stator ignition generating coils to supply approximately 300v AC to the powerpack(s), which in turn is needed to supply power to the coils etc etc (spark).

In the water, exhaust back pressure is encountered due to the fact that the exhaust housing (housing between the powerhead and the lower unit) is filled with water. This would drag down the needed rpms, affecting ignition.

Normally the clue to this type problem is that the engine starts fine on a flushette (hose), but is very difficult to start when in the water.

Should this be the case, check the battery, clean and tighten all conections (use a wrench or pliers, not your fingers). Any cable that gets overly warm or hot indicates either a loose, or tight but dirty, or internally corroded cable. And of course check the starter itself.

 

[switzer140]

Re: Engine flooding at ramp

thanks for the reply joe its definitely something to consider and check out. however i think this is really a fuel/carb issue more than anything. I believe it possibly has something to do with the angle of the ramp and possibly the position of the engine when starting that causes it to flood. While the boat is attempting to be started in the water it appears to have fuel leaking out of the exhaust so much so you can visibly see the fuel on the water. Last time once we were able to get it started it ran fine, We turned the engine on and off several times with no hesitation thru out the day. Once i got home today i tried to start the engine at different angles trimmed up or down and it did seem to have an effect on the engine starting. With it raised i was able to flood the engine at home and made it very hard to get started again. also i remember while at the ramp it seemed that there was fuel leaking from the lower carb once i trimmed up the engine to get up the ramp to the parking lot?