97 Challenger 1800

[llenod]

I have a Challenger 1800. My family and I have a blast out on the water, however it seems I have to baby the engines to get them started. The port side seems to be a bit harder to start. I will start one of them, it will run for a few seconds then shut off, I try to choke it, then turn the choke off and finally after trying multiple times the starboard engine will stay on. Now with that engine on, I can move foward and if I turn the wheel to the right, the port engine will come on when starting as it seems to be getting more gas this way. Once they are on, they are both strong and we can reach speeds of 60mph.

When we stop for awhile, they do the same thing again. Sometimes they will start up easily, other times you have to hold the start buttons in for 5-10 seconds. Any ideas what is causing this?

 

[robin savell lloyd]

I would start with all fuel related problems. replace fuel lines if they are gray in color make sure fuel selecter is working properly. It sounds like it may be working properly. I would clean carbs and install new kits in them for a peace of mind. clean rave valves and I believe it should run correctly again. :cheers:

 

[seadoosnipe]

Accelerator pump.....

Your boat is equipped with the accelerator pumps on the PTO carbs. The accelerator pump is used from the idle position to about 1/4 throttle open and is made up of a diaphragm pump on a cam roller, synced to your throttle cable.

When starting and idling around, the accerator pump is what gives the quick engine response for take off and/or docking and maneuvering.

You'll need to pull off the air box and the flame arrestor. When you can see the inside choke plate, look just paste it and you'll see a small brass nipple, sticking into the carbs at about 2 o'clock. While your looking inside, one carb at a time (with a flashlight), have someone push the throttle forward (gear shifter in forward) and watch to see a squirt of gas shooting into the throat of the carb from the nipple. I've seen several of these accelerator pump jets (including my own) gum up over time, causing them not to work correctly. You should get a nice, solid, small squirt of fuel. You will only be able to do it a couple times with the engine off. The MAG pump sends the fuel to the accelerator pump when the engine is running. So, with the engine off, be quick about it.

If the nipples are stopped up, then you'll have to get some carb cleaner, put that little red straw on it. Remove the fuel line and give it a squirt through that little nipple, where the fuel line is connected. Look for it to come out into the carb. Don't over do it. In that little elbow is a small, check ball, to keep fuel pressure on the line.

Then, with the line (small line about 1/4" in diameter) off at the "t", squeeze the throttle to see if fuel comes out of it.

Remember, you only have a small amount of fuel in that diaphragm, so you'll only be able to do this a couple times with the engine off. But, you can always turn the engine over, choke it and it will be ready to do again.