Volvo Penta 3.0 hard to restart warm

[NYfourwinns]

This is a 98 Volvo Penta 3.0 inboard engine. It starts very well when cold every time. If it's sat for some time, usually it's not a problem. It idles a bit low, but after a minute or two it runs nicely, and idle RPM is up a little.

But, if it has been stopped for a short time, maybe 10 minutes, usually it's hard to start, and I end up putting lever all the way forward. After cranking it 3-4 seconds, it starts, and RPM jump up quickly too, which is not really desired. What is happening here? I never owned an engine that is like this. Usually it is the opposite.

Thanks!

 

[skydiveD30571]

Re: Volvo Penta 3.0 hard to restart warm

During your warm starts are you moving the throttle all the way forward, or just slightly forward? All the way forward and cranking is the traditional "clear flood" starting procedure. Is this a carbed engine?

 

[NYfourwinns]

Re: Volvo Penta 3.0 hard to restart warm

First, I leave in center position, and after one attempt of about 3 sec with no start, I move throttle lever all the way forward, "clear flood" position. It is a carbed engine.

Is it getting flooded while sitting? Or am I not doing something right?

 

[skydiveD30571]

Re: Volvo Penta 3.0 hard to restart warm

On a warm start, it is likely it will need a little throttle to start. By a little throttle I mean 1/4 or 1/3 open. Going to WOT to get it to fire is for clearing a flood because it opens the throttle plates and allows a bunch of air to enter and help lean out the super rich flooded mixture.

Next time you get it running at operating temperature shut it off and open up the engine hatch. Look down the throttle bores and see if fuel is dripping onto the throttle plates from the boosters. This is common and can be caused by a failing float in the fuel bowl, failing needle/seat assembly that isn't closing properly and allowing the fuel bowl to overfill, or excessive fuel pressure from the fuel pump.

Did this problem just present itself or has it been something you've been dealing with for awhile? When was the carb last rebuilt?

 

[NYfourwinns]

Re: Volvo Penta 3.0 hard to restart warm

Thanks skydive. Per your instruction, I will check it out next time in the water.

It has been like this since I bought the boat few months ago, and I do not know the history. Probably a good idea is to rebuild the carb, something I plan on doing after season is over.

Thanks again for your input!

 

[redneck_cdn]

Re: Volvo Penta 3.0 hard to restart warm

Could also be due to the high ambient temps + operating temp inside the engine compartment causing the vapor lock in the carb, @ some point if you have the chance open the engine cover when you stop for an extended period or keep the blower running to reduce temperature to see if it helps.

Alex

 

[skydiveD30571]

Re: Volvo Penta 3.0 hard to restart warm

Vapor lock can cause warm start issues, but doesn't cause an engine to flood.

 

[NYfourwinns]

Re: Volvo Penta 3.0 hard to restart warm

If this is a vapor lock issue, would you suggest moving the handle forward and back to neutral 2-3 times before starting would pump some fuel?

 

[skydiveD30571]

Re: Volvo Penta 3.0 hard to restart warm

If you're already having to go all the way forward to get it to start, it has too much fuel to start. Pumping the handle will add even more fuel and no air and make it even harder to start. Find out why it seems to be flooding while turned off first. If you fix that and still have starting problems, then I'd suggest investigating vapor lock. But for now your engine shows no signs of vapor locking, only flooding while off.

 

[ewenm]

Re: Volvo Penta 3.0 hard to restart warm

yep i experience the same "problem" however i personally think its because for years in my case ive been used to efi cars and efi boat motors, just turn the key and they start and idle sweetly. now i have a carby motor ive had to dig back in time to when i had a carby car

when ever starting i always turned the key and was ready to catch it with a little loud peddle till she idled and im finding it the same with the little 3.0l Vp i now have, at least however the 2 bbl holley is simple to work with