Engine Not Starting

[Wanderlust]

Hi Seasoned Trusted Friends!

Some of you are following our new boat ownership tails and the Port engine that was previously working really well is not starting! It ran last week just fine while we were running both to troubleshoot the starboard engine overheat (which is now fixed yeah!). The port engine will crank but will not turn over. The starter solenoids were green so we replaced both of them. New spark plugs, and a new ignition rotor. We originally thought the fuel gauge was reading incorrectly and it was out of fuel so they added a bit into the carbs, didn't fire up. The oil pressure read well when it was running so I don't think it seized. What do you guys think?

Chris

[mjk1040]

The port engine will crank but will not turn over? I can not decipher this statement. If an engine is cranking I assume it is turning over. If it's not then it could be a bunch of different things. It sounds like it is not firing, coil gone, do you have points or an upgraded electronic ignition, guess we need more precise information. Mike

[Wanderlust]

Hi Mike,

It will crank but not start.

It's a 1987 so I'm guessing it has points.

Chris

[Viper]

What engines? You say you replaced the rotor, what condition was the cap in and why not replace it while you have it off so you eliminate that as a possible culprit?

[tomschauer]

if it cranks, it is not seized.
for combustion you need compression fuel /air mixture and spark. If you put some fuel down the carb and it didn't even try to fire its time to look at the spark. Even if you had a bad cap and or rotor, it would most likely give you a sputter or more. Check the small wires to the coil. with the ignition switch on you should get 12 +/- volts. Not knowing your mechanical abilities, and not wanting to lead you to a good shock I will stop here. Let me know what you know and we can go further.

[mjk1040]

If it's the original ignition system, I'm guessing the cap is corroded, clean or replace it. It's obvious its not getting any spark, and you have most likely flooded it by now. Pull #1 plug and see if its wet. If you do not have voltage to the coil, I would check the wire harness plug for voltage to the coil, plug pins could be corroded. Have someone turn it over and wiggle the wire harness near the plug. Mike