Problem starting.... sometimes

minnie1995

Recruit
Joined
Sep 29, 2003
Messages
3
I’m new to boating so please excuse me….. and thanks in advance for your response! :D <br /><br />While out a few weeks ago, we noticed the RPM’s were running way high (3000 @ idle). So we took it in and had the tachometer adjusted as well as the carb cleaned. Ever since we’ve had a hard time starting it. At first, it turned out that the ground wire (?) to the alternator had been burnt off. So that has been re-grounded. Now the issue is.. it doesn’t start in the water. While in the water it cranks and seems like it wants to start, but after 2-3 attempts, it doesn’t even turn over anymore and the battery voltage drops from 12v to 10v. (and this is with a brand new battery).While outside of the water (with the hose connected of course) the engine starts fine. No problems, just seems like we need to warm it up a few minutes. <br />Last Saturday went to the lake, and nope… it didn’t start. Came home, hooked it up to the hose and guess what??? YUP… it started. Went back out to the lake and this time it started. We noticed the batt. Voltage was at 12v when we first got out and after 1 hour or so.. it rose to 14v. Any ideas on what this could be?<br /> :mad:
 

Spidybot

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Apr 4, 2002
Messages
1,734
Re: Problem starting.... sometimes

Hi minnie<br /><br />To get you started here I'd like to point you to<br /><br /> this hint <br /><br />as you get much better answers when you state all the essentials.<br /><br />One of the first things you'll hear here is 'get a manual' so I'll throw that in right away :cool: <br /><br />There's a link to Manuals on bottom of this page...
 

minnie1995

Recruit
Joined
Sep 29, 2003
Messages
3
Re: Problem starting.... sometimes

Sorry, I forgot to mention its a 135hp 3.0L Alpha One.
 

greasemonkeyozi

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jul 16, 2003
Messages
282
Re: Problem starting.... sometimes

Sometimes, well, most of the time if you see a wire burned or corroded off of a part, expect that part to be inoperable. Boat motor parts are sensitive to that stuff. Make sure good even spark is getting to all of your plugs. <br />If it runs fine out of the water, and wont work at all in the water with a load on it, that sounds like a fuel problem to me. Do you know how exactly your mechanic cleaned your carbs? You may have a clogged jet on a carborator. The best way to clean out that jet is to completely remove and dissassemble the carborators and clean out that port with a wire or something. If that is nessessary, I would go ahead and buy a rebuild kit for each carborator. All that would be needed is a new float,needle and seat, and gasket set for each carb. Wouldnt hurt to buy a fuel pump diaphram rebuild kit for about $5.00 either. <br /> Check and make sure there your fuel line is not taking on air anywhere from your fuel tank all the way to your carborators. Double check your fuel line connector that hooks the fuel line up to your motor. Go with that and holla back.
 
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