Engine struggles to turn over

[itxone]

Hey all,

So I had my carb rebuilt over the winter and now that the weather has warned up had the opportunity to reinstall it and not having much luck getting it to fire up. Take a look at the attached video and tell me what you think. Could it be the starter? Could it be the timing?

Note - When I had the carb off I took the opportunity to pull the intake manifold to redo the gaskets (had seeping in the valleys) thus the distributor was pulled. I made sure to reinstall the distributor back in the same orientation that was in previously but maybe I was off? I haven't had the boat in good running order since I installed the HEI distributor last fall so it's possible I still don't have things configured properly.

Thanks..

 

[alldodge]

Sounds like a weak battery and/or cables need to be cleaned up. Remove both positive and negative cables from the battery at both ends. Clean both ends up real good to shinny metal.

Next put a voltmeter on the starter post and crank the motor. Voltage should not drop below 10 volts when cranking

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,...... I concur with AD,.....
Low battery voltage, or corroded connections,......

 

[itxone]

I actually replaced the cables last fall when I began seeing signs of a problem. I'm wondering if I should just replace the starter. It's an '87 engine and could be the original for all i know.

FWIW - I did get the engine to fire up briefly using starter fluid but it wouldn't stay running, almost like it isn't getting enough fuel. Even after running for a few seconds that should have been enough rpm for the fuel pump to maintain adequate supply. Wondering if it's time to replace the fuel pump too while I'm at it.

 

[alldodge]

Before replacing the fuel pump or anything, need to find out of that is the problem. Might have a restriction and the pump is unable to pull the fuel. Things like the antisiphon valve, clogged fuel filter

Should be able to keep it running by slightly dribble gas down the carb until the fuel pumps up.

Turning over that slow and with cables in good shape, then that is either the starter, battery or something with the motor. Motor ran fine before so that is bat or starter

 

[Scott06]

I would measure the fuel pressure before replacing the pump. Since it starts on starting fluid the timing must be reasonably close.
If you replaced the cables go back and recheck they are tight. I assume the battery is in good conditon? if you still cant get it to turn over may want to look at removing the drive to eliminate any potetial issue with rusty gimbal bearing or ujoints
Check the spark with a inexpensive spark gap tester should be a nice blue spark juming a 3/8 gap or so.

 

[itxone]

Before replacing the fuel pump or anything, need to find out of that is the problem. Might have a restriction and the pump is unable to pull the fuel. Things like the antisiphon valve, clogged fuel filter

Should be able to keep it running by slightly dribble gas down the carb until the fuel pumps up.

Turning over that slow and with cables in good shape, then that is either the starter, battery or something with the motor. Motor ran fine before so that is bat or starter

Replaced the fuel filter yesterday. The motor ran "ok" last fall after I replaced the distributor but it wouldn't stay running for long, which is why i had the carb rebuilt.

 

[itxone]

I would measure the fuel pressure before replacing the pump. Since it starts on starting fluid the timing must be reasonably close.
If you replaced the cables go back and recheck they are tight. I assume the battery is in good conditon? if you still cant get it to turn over may want to look at removing the drive to eliminate any potetial issue with rusty gimbal bearing or ujoints
Check the spark with a inexpensive spark gap tester should be a nice blue spark juming a 3/8 gap or so.

I'll definitely recheck the cables. Battery is brand new. Plugs and wires are new as well... I hadn't thought about the drive. It seemed to be engaging fine last fall when I had the engine running (albeit poorly).

 

[Scott06]

I'll definitely recheck the cables. Battery is brand new. Plugs and wires are new as well... I hadn't thought about the drive. It seemed to be engaging fine last fall when I had the engine running (albeit poorly).

If you take the spark plugs out you should be able to turn the engine by hand at the balancer pulley. If this turns easily and it wont turn over correct the elecrical issues wether they are battery cable or starter related. if you cant turn it easily I would pull the drive and see if it frees up

 

[itxone]

If you take the spark plugs out you should be able to turn the engine by hand at the balancer pulley. If this turns easily and it wont turn over correct the elecrical issues wether they are battery cable or starter related. if you cant turn it easily I would pull the drive and see if it frees up

I was able to turn it manually when I was trying to find top dead center during the distributor install.

 

[itxone]

Just closing the loop here for anyone facing similar issues in the future. Replaced the starter and it fires right up!

 

[Scott06]

Just closing the loop here for anyone facing similar issues in the future. Replaced the starter and it fires right up!

Great

 

[achris]

...closing the loop ....

Always reminds me of this....

Looper (2012) ⭐ 7.4 | Action, Drama, Sci-Fi

1h 59m | R

www.imdb.com

 

[Eric 3.7LX Alpha 1]

Hey all,
I haven't had the boat in good running order since I installed the HEI distributor last fall so it's possible I still don't have things configured properly.

Thanks..

If your referring to a General Motors HEI distributor as in from a car, I'm pretty sure they're not marine rated for a closed engine compartment. The same thing goes with that starter you bought, and anything electrical on the engine, fuel pump, alternator. You want to make sure you get one rated for marine use. They have special spark arrestor screens installed in them.

 

[itxone]

If your referring to a General Motors HEI distributor as in from a car, I'm pretty sure they're not marine rated for a closed engine compartment. The same thing goes with that starter you bought, and anything electrical on the engine, fuel pump, alternator. You want to make sure you get one rated for marine use. They have special spark arrestor screens installed in them.

"HEI" was used in a generic sense i guess, perhaps incorrectly.. Anyway, I actually installed the Sierra Marine EST distributer. The starter was also from Sierra..