Starting Trouble, Locating the Model Number

[NewerBoater]

Hi, thanks in advance for any help with locating my engine model number and what to do next with my starting issue...as i'm getting frustrated with my '97 Four Winns 190 Horizon RX, Volvo Penta 4.3 GL...

Issue 1- I CANNOT find the model number after hunting several times, the decals are no longer there, (I've seen the volvo FAQ and the thread on here showing the tag location but no luck finding it) does anyone have a picture of their tag that is visible without removing the lower unit?

I took it in to a mechanic recently because it died after running all day. $1600 later - after pulling the motor to fix the stripped starter bolts, replace gimbal/u-joint/bellows, clear water from cylinders, and impeller - boat was up and running again...I am now having issue 2 of getting the engine started... it cranks and cranks, just will not kick over... I took it back to the mechanic and he got it started telling me he never touched anything with the ignition, saying I must have flooded it or I don't know how to start a carbureted engine and I watched him start it with ease. Of course the problem is back after the boat sat for a month or so...

So after researching forums, I decided to replace the spark plugs and dist cap/rotor. Felt accomplished, but still have the same issue cranking and not starting. (I've replaced the ignition switch earlier this year as well). Was thinking of going back to a new mechanic, but decided to ask for help before I put more $ into this older boat. I'm suspicious of the fuel pump from what i've read, but once the boat is warm, i've never had any issues while cruising or restarting. Is there any easy/amateur way to confirm the fuel pump is functioning properly? Any suggestions to try for starting it? (checked the safety lanyard, worked the throttle - full, toggled, every location, tried manually choking, tried manually throttling)

 

[ericga]

With the engine serial number you can check your exact model here ->

http://www.volvopenta.com/volvopent...lication_search/Pages/publication_search.aspx

Engine serials are often found in various documents including surveys, insurance papers or original purchase.

For your problem start with the basic. To run, an engine needs air, fuel and spark. Isolate the problematic area before anything else.

 

[Scott Danforth]

welcome aboard.

please explain exactly how you are trying to start the boat.

also, since this boat is carbureted, remove the air filter, look into the throat of the carburetor as your helper gives it full throttle. you should see two streams of fuel being sprayed.

 

[ericga]

You can also buy a spark tester at any auto part store for about 10-20$.

 

[NewerBoater]

Starting the boat. I run the blower, turn off. turn the key with no throttle, somtimes it seems to initial fire up, but die before I get a chance to give it some gas (neutral) it will die (happened 2 days ago, but hasnt done it since). Once that happens ill try to pump the throttle (depressing the button so its in neutral) full and back twice and turn over again. When that doesnt work, go wide open throttle (neutral) and turn over. Then i try 3/4 throttle, moving the throttle, etc. ive tried this for 2 days in a row with muffs in the driveway, prop lowered. Recharging the battery in between.

When i did get it going in the past, i would rev it for a little while and it would seem to be primed for the day.

 

[HalfFish5087]

From a cold start, I would recommend at least 2 full pumps of the throttle before the first crank. Don't go wide open unless your confident that you have flooded the engine (too much gas).

It is possible that your fuel pump has or is kicking the bucket. Mine decided to work great and then fall on its face while 10 miles from the launch. I ended up temporarily jumping the relay to make it build up pressure and then mine would start. After a few times of that I bought a new pump.

Oh, I think your mechanic is a crook. Clear water from the cylinders, replace gimbal, and stripped starter bolts all cause it would not start. This doesn't make sense.

 

[NewerBoater]

Great info to help me in diagnosing, and how would i validate the "air" part of the ignition equation?

 

[Scott Danforth]

Your boat has a carb. Your starting method of simply cranking doesn't set the choke first.

Think of starting a boat motor with a carb like starting that late 60's /early 70's truck on a cold morning. Two pumps, part throttle, crank.

Turn in blower for at least 2 minutes (here us where you park the truck)
Two full pumps of throttle to set choke and prime the carb
Then disconnect the shift function and set throttle to 1/2 (no fast idle cam on boat carb)
Turn key to start position
Once it starts, back off throttle to 1000-1500 RPM for about a minute (gives you time to undo dock lines)
Then return control to neutral/idle and go boating