Challenger Hard start (99 1800 Challenger)

[ANDYstepan]

Hey guys - i love reading this forum.

A few years ago i was having some starting issues and ended up replacing both engines....2 new 787's.
The boat has been in the garage for the most part for 2 years since the motors were replaced....I ran it one time last summer and then 1 time this summer.

The boat exhibits the same hard start that it did with the old motors....a little hard to start and keep idling but once they do start and get out on the water (basically above 2000 rpm) I have no problems......very responsive.

Is there anything that can cause this besides the motors? I'm just looking for a checklist of sorts.....to help to get to the bottom of this
thanks
a

 

[ANDYstepan]

Guys - maybe this will be a clue......(I have none)

So if I pull it out of the water and set it on the trailer and try to start the boat both engines fire instantly. Time and time again both engines fire perfectly with no hesitation.....could it be a starter issue that's causing it not to start in the water but on the trailer?

Thoughts? Thanks guys!

 

[jhjesse]

Guys - maybe this will be a clue......(I have none)

So if I pull it out of the water and set it on the trailer and try to start the boat both engines fire instantly. Time and time again both engines fire perfectly with no hesitation.....could it be a starter issue that's causing it not to start in the water but on the trailer?

Thoughts? Thanks guys!

Carbs - remove, completely disassemble and clean thoroughly including internal filters and pilot jets. Reassemble carefully and set HSA's closed and LSA's out 1 1/2 turns.
Also replace inline fuel filters. I use Fram G3 high flow filters.

 

[ANDYstepan]

Okay - i'm on it...i'll report back when i'm done...thanks guys

Guys - maybe this will be a clue......(I have none)

So if I pull it out of the water and set it on the trailer and try to start the boat both engines fire instantly. Time and time again both engines fire perfectly with no hesitation.....could it be a starter issue that's causing it not to start in the water but on the trailer?

Thoughts? Thanks guys!

 

[jhjesse]

If the boat has sat for two years then I would pump out the old gas and replace with fresh.
While you are at it make sure the fuel baffle bottom screen is not clogged.

 

[ANDYstepan]

Hey guys - i have a syphon and am going to pump out all the gas - for the guys that have done it - where do you go in at?
is it easier to go in by the fill or remove the clamps and go through the middle of the tank?

and where is the fuel baffle screen.....where is it visible?

 

[jhjesse]

Hey guys - i have a syphon and am going to pump out all the gas - for the guys that have done it - where do you go in at?
is it easier to go in by the fill or remove the clamps and go through the middle of the tank?

and where is the fuel baffle screen.....where is it visible?

Open the rear deck lid and pull out the black engine cover. Look straight down in front of the engines and you will see the back edge of the tank. The baffle will be protruding out with 4 black hoses coming out of it. That is the fuel baffle.
Since you probably need to pull the baffle anyway I would extract the old gas out there.
Do a complete check of all the hoses, change the filters and make sure the check valve attached to the vent hose is working correctly.

Another really good thing to do is down load a repair manual.

 

[ANDYstepan]

just signed up for a premium account this morning and am downloading....if anything else, i'm learning

 

[Dr Honda]

Sorry I didn't see this earlier.


I know you said it has 2 new engines... but you are showing signs of either low compression, or high clearance in the rotary valves. So... check the compression, and when you pull the carbs, make sure the RV is OK. (the manual will tell you have to check the RV)

There is a guy in the PWC section right now with the same issue, and it turned out that the RV was WAY out of spec, and the mechanic is doing a new rebuild for him.

 

[ANDYstepan]

okay - 2 more questions. I only have a manual for a 98 seadoo challenger (not my 99....not sure if it matters)
but what should i be gapping my plugs at
and
i disconnected my spark plug wires and on the one side can't remember the order they went on....is there a diagram for that?

thanks guys
a

 

[Dr Honda]

98/99 was basically the same boat... so no issues there.

Also... that ignition fires both plugs together... so it doesn't mater what wire goes on what plug. (how's that for simple)

 

[ANDYstepan]

Dr. Honda....I wish you lived next door.
Thanks everyone

 

[ANDYstepan]

Hey all - so i changed out all the plugs and fuel lines, all new clamps....new fuel filters.
Drained all the old fuel, checked the baffle and filter in the tank......took it out last night.....it really started great and ran great but the more i turned it off and on it started to revert back. More than anything i think these boats have a knack that you have to figure out.

Question on idle.....i'm at about 1100-1300 once the engines are warm.....seems low. Carbs are my next project but is there an idle screw that could help me before winter (and i have time to rebuild?)

thanks all again....this has been fun.
a

 

[DnE1800twin]

The carbs are a pain cuz they have to be synched correctly. with 2 engines its all got to match or ull have one with more throttle at the levers than the other. BUT, these carbs are very simple to remove and rebuild. one of the most important things (at least on my challenger with twin 787s) the PopOff has to be very close to specs. make sure ur springs are all correct and then check ur pop off pressure. make sure all carbs are within range of each other as well as with specs.
the hard starts deffinately sound fuel related. while replacing ur inline fuel filters dont forget the carb filters as well as cleaning the on/off/reserve switch. they can get gummed up also.
as far as idle.... u should idle around 3K on th trailer and around 1200-1300 in the water. my challnger likes loser to 1500 in the water

 

[DnE1800twin]

The carbs are a pain cuz they have to be synched correctly. with 2 engines its all got to match or ull have one with more throttle at the levers than the other. BUT, these carbs are very simple to remove and rebuild. one of the most important things (at least on my challenger with twin 787s) the PopOff has to be very close to specs. make sure ur springs are all correct and then check ur pop off pressure. make sure all carbs are within range of each other as well as with specs.
the hard starts deffinately sound fuel related. while replacing ur inline fuel filters dont forget the carb filters as well as cleaning the on/off/reserve switch. they can get gummed up also.
as far as idle.... u should idle around 3K on th trailer and around 1200-1300 in the water. my challenger likes it closer to 1500 in the water.
The ppl here in the forums are extremely helpfull. good luck.....