Engine won't start anymore.

[cecho]

Re: Engine won't start anymore.

Can you describe the "BANG" you heard more? You're describing what happens to an engine when it's suffering from a clogged fuel delivery system or water in the fuel, but they don't make bangs when this happens... unless maybe it was a backfire. The only way I can think hitting the wave has anything to do with your current problem is if the impact knocked loose some junk or water in the tank which clogged up your filter, lines and/or water separator.

You probably have a small fuel filter in the carb's fuel inlet as well as a fuel/water separator. The fuel water separator probably looks something like an oil filter can... Kind of like this: http://www.iboats.com/mall/image/view/2/6/18-7852-1_big_2.jpg

 

[kip s]

Re: Engine won't start anymore.

Can you describe the "BANG" you heard more? You're describing what happens to an engine when it's suffering from a clogged fuel delivery system or water in the fuel, but they don't make bangs when this happens... unless maybe it was a backfire. The only way I can think hitting the wave has anything to do with your current problem is if the impact knocked loose some junk or water in the tank which clogged up your filter, lines and/or water separator.

You probably have a small fuel filter in the carb's fuel inlet as well as a fuel/water separator. The fuel water separator probably looks something like an oil filter can... Kind of like this: http://www.iboats.com/mall/image/view/2/6/18-7852-1_big_2.jpg

The bang the first time it made was a loud quick bang then the motor dies. That was the only noise even though the motor died many times after that. Now when i try to restart it, the "bang" is coming back again but sometimes it will start. Thanks for the pic of that separator. I will look into that tomorrow.

 

[cecho]

Re: Engine won't start anymore.

If you do have a screw on type fuel water seperater, you need to replace the filter. If it's clogged flushing it out won't unclog it. Dumping it out will just tell you if there's a problem in the tank or lines. They are cheap. I just bought one today for $9 from the local marine store. You should replace it every year anyway.

 

[Maclin]

Re: Engine won't start anymore.

Maybe the kill switch got jarred?

 

[kip s]

Re: Engine won't start anymore.

Man.....i don't kno what is wrong now. I drained the tank and put fresh fuel but
no worky. Sometimes i can get it to start but it does'nt stay on unless its in gear and with lots of gas going into the carb. Is it time to take the carb apart? Im not a carb guy.

 

[cecho]

Re: Engine won't start anymore.

Was there water in the fuel and water separator?

Did you check the small fuel filter that goes inside the carb at the fuel inlet?

Can you get it to idle long enough to check the timing?

I think a problem with the kill switch or shift interrupter would not allow the engine to run at all.

I don't understand why putting it in gear would help get it to run. You know that you can throttle the engine without putting it in gear, right?

 

[airshot]

Re: Engine won't start anymore.

U had the exact same problem? Did u hit a wake and then the motor dies a few seconds later? I read and old post here on iboat about someone who had the exact senario but he didnt post any answers.

Yep, only difference was I did not hit a wake, instead was out on a very rough windy day and the waves apparently stirred up the water in the tank. Much more water than the filter could handle, engine died and had to come in on kicker motor. Drained entire tank and was good to go. Always use blue stabile now.
You might also want to do a compression check on your motor, doesn't cost you anything, that big bang has me worried as water does not compress like fuel vapor. May also indicate a valve timing issue if there is one. Good luck.

Airshot

 

[Don S]

Re: Engine won't start anymore.

It just struck me how the shifting to start fits in.

The shift interrupt switch on the engine has two wires going to it, disconnect one of them and see if it will start normally,

 

[kip s]

Re: Engine won't start anymore.

Was there water in the fuel and water separator?

Did you check the small fuel filter that goes inside the carb at the fuel inlet?

Can you get it to idle long enough to check the timing?

I think a problem with the kill switch or shift interrupter would not allow the engine to run at all.

I don't understand why putting it in gear would help get it to run. You know that you can throttle the engine without putting it in gear, right?

No i havent checked the small filter inside the carb. I took the carb off and im gonna tear it apart tomorrow. It won't stay idle long enough to check for timing. I checked for sparks and they are all good. I can't find my compression tester to check for compression. I drained the fuel tank and put freah fuel in it. When i said putting it in gear, i meant throttling. I was using the shift lever. When im done installing the carb, i will check the kill switch wiring. Thanks

 

[kip s]

Re: Engine won't start anymore.

It just struck me how the shifting to start fits in.

The shift interrupt switch on the engine has two wires going to it, disconnect one of them and see if it will start normally,

What i meant was throttling. I was able to start the motor by pumping fuel with the shift lever a couple of times and then left it at about 1/4 of a way forward. I guess that was why i said "in gear". Shift interrupt switch? Is that the kill switch?

 

[kip s]

Re: Engine won't start anymore.

I like to rebuild the carb myself for hands-on learning purposes but i dont want screw it up. It seems like a very timing consuming job. Isn't it worth it to have the shop rebuild the carb than spending maybe hours to do it myself and still could be wrong? Remember, im not a carb guy.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Engine won't start anymore.

What i meant was throttling. I was able to start the motor by pumping fuel with the shift lever a couple of times and then left it at about 1/4 of a way forward. I guess that was why i said "in gear". Shift interrupt switch? Is that the kill switch?

Ayuh,... That's how a Carbed motor is supposed to be started...

 

[cecho]

Re: Engine won't start anymore.

The shift interrupter is what allows you to get the drive out of gear. It grounds the ignition for a fraction of a second while shifting out of gear to kill the torque from the engine so the dog clutch can separate. A problem with that switch would not allow your engine to run, or you would not be able to get the drive out of gear with the engine running.

Before you tear the carb apart you should at least look at the little filter. It just takes a minute.

Another possibility is your fuel pump might not be putting out enough pressure.

Or maybe your choke is broken or way out of adjustment... That doesn't usually cause backfiring though.

 

[Don S]

Re: Engine won't start anymore.

Up on reply #8 is this (Alpha one 3.0L TKS, stern drive)

With that TKS carb, starting should be done without pumping and the idle speed is increased automatically by a thermostat in the carb.
So no, you shouldn't have to pump it.

You also have an EST distributor, so no, the shift interrupt switch does not ground out the ignition, it puts the ignition into base timing mode which causes the engine to hesitate for a second which allows the drive to come out of gear.

Did you try starting the engine with one of the wires off the shift interrupt switch. This new style switch also has problems and could be part your problem.
The carb is mostly like a Mercarb, but with the addition of the turn key start system installed, and some other internal parts.


Here is a copy and paste from the manual on the TKS carb. I underlined an important note in the C&P.

HARD START - COLD
1. If the engine does not start after third attempt, verify the following:
a. There is sufficient fuel and the fuel shut off valve is open.
b. Ignition system is functioning.

Assuming that the carburetor is the cause of the hard starting condition, the probable cause
will be that the additional fuel flow path is not functioning properly. To get the engine started:

1. Push the throttle only button.
2. Move the remote control throttle lever to full throttle position and then to the idle position.
Do this two times.
3. Place throttle at 1/4 position (throttle only)
4. Attempt to start engine again
5. If engine still does not start, refer to "Engine Does Not Start."

 

[kip s]

Re: Engine won't start anymore.

Cecho, i have a TKS system. I never had to pump the fuel manually. Now, isn't the little filter located inside the car assembly?

 

[kip s]

Re: Engine won't start anymore.

Don, that is exactly what i did. I was able to start it but not everytime. Sometimes it shoots a bueish white smoke throught air filter. So i took the flame arresstor off and when i try to restart, a littlle fame shot out and i could hear it making whistling and sometimes popping. Is it normal to have flames coming out of the carb?

 

[Don S]

Re: Engine won't start anymore.

When you pump the throttle and gas squirts into the carb, (not cranking the engine) do you see any beads of water on the throttle bores and plates?
Gas will just be smooth and shiny, water will bead up on the gas.
I find it hard to believe it could be water for the simple fact that water sinks to the bottom of the tank and would be near the pickup at all times. One wake isn't going to knock enough up into the pickup to cause all the problems you are having.

Water in the carb also doesn't make a loud bang and kill the engine.

Next, pull the distributor cap off and see if anything looks out of place. Try to turn the rotor. See any cracks or damage to the cap or the contacts? End of the rotor turned to one side?

If all looks good there, do a compression test.

 

[rnapple]

Re: Engine won't start anymore.

I'm having the same problem. I think it is electrical. The bang and all. Like something is blocking the engine from turning over

 

[cecho]

Re: Engine won't start anymore.

Your fuel filter is number 29 in this image

 

[Maclin]

Re: Engine won't start anymore.

1.) Neutral safety switch, keeps engine from even being cranked if not in neutral.
2.) Shift interrupter, stumbles engine as gear shift moves the drive out of gear.
3.) Kill switch, usually on a lanyward if you have one (like PWC), also know as dead-man, kills power to the ignition coil.

My post was referencing #3, he may not have one.
Could also be loose wire at the coil getting jarred, acting like kill switch.