Engine cranks but will not turn over. PLEASH HELP

[Drewery]

Engine cranks but will not turn over. PLEASE HELP

Hi guys, I am new to the forum and looking for some help dealing with a problem I have been having with my 97 speedster.

During the summer, the drain plug was left open by accident and the engine compartment filled up with saltwater and I was able pump out the water and with the help of some buddies, pull the boat up onto my sport port. The cylinders ended up filling up with water and the who thing was a disaster. I had a local mechanic come by my house and take a look during the week when I was not around and he was able to get it up and running again. Unfortunately I was not around for the next month and there was nobody around to start up the engines. Long story short, I have been having problems starting up my starboard engine ever since. The port engine runs fine though, go figure. Through a lot of trouble shooting, I have diagnosed the problem as a blockage in the carb. I have come to this conclusion because I inserted a priming ball in the fuel line and I know it is working, but it is not going through the carb, or to the point where it will reach the cylinders. The engine does turn over when I spray starter fluid in the carb screen or even when I have poured gas into the screen as well but shuts down when it burns off. So I know it will start if it were getting gas, but it is not.

I am at a point where I feel like removing the whole carb and cleaning it out or replacing whatever needs to be replaced. I dont know if this is a wise approach or if i have diagnosed it properly. I have become determined to fix this on my own over the winter months.

Does anybody have anything they can add or suggest or has anybody seen/heard anything like this before. I would be really grateful for your input.

Thanks,
Andrew

 

[djredman99]

Yeah, pulling your carbs and rebuilding sounds like the right idea. If you have gray fuel lines, make sure you replace all of them as well (use search feature to find out the issues with these lines).

 

[Drewery]

I have black fuel lines. I have read a lot about these grey lines and problems associated with them.

I'm going to try and winterize the engines tomorrow, but im also concerned that since I cant get it to run for longer than the fogging oil or carb starter spray burn out, I dont know if I'll be able to flush out the engine. The boat will be kept in the garage all winter, and I am not particularly worried about freezing, but I would like to get it started so I can flush it out somehow.

Do you recommend running it with the starter fluid and just flush it while i keep it running on the spray? even if its only for like 5 seconds.

I know that you cant just pour the fluid into the flush valve without the engine running because it will do some damage to something. or would I be safe if i just poured in the anti-freeze without it running?

 

[djredman99]

Do you recommend running it with the starter fluid and just flush it while i keep it running on the spray? even if its only for like 5 seconds.

Starter fluid does not have any lubrication properties, so I would not use it other than to get a tough starting engine going on its own. As far as flushing, unless you were riding in salt water, I wouldn't sweat not being able to flush it. What you need to worry about is getting the engine fogged. Use gas/oil premix dumped into the cylinders if you need help to run, spray fogging oil in carbs while running. Finally, spray fogging oil in cylinders for about 15 seconds and crank the engine for a few revolutions. BUT, do this after you deal with the antifreeze.

I know that you cant just pour the fluid into the flush valve without the engine running because it will do some damage to something. or would I be safe if i just poured in the anti-freeze without it running?

It is completely safe to add antifreeze to the engine while it is not running, in fact, this is standard procedure. I think what you are thinking of is the process of flushing with antifreeze added to the water being used to flush. This is one way to get it done, flushing and antifreeze in one step, but not necessary. And with that amount of water running through the system, yes...you do need the engine running to properly expel the water.

I believe you have the 717/720 engines in your boat. Do a search for winterizing them here on the forum. You should get some results. If you still need help, post your questions.

 

[Drewery]

Just so I understand this correctly... can I just add some amount of marine anti-freeze (how much is recommended?) into the flush valve with the engine off and then get the engine started (the engine that does turn over) and then spray fogging oil into the carb and then remove the spark plugs and spray some more into the cylinders and just crank it to get it lubed up?

My main concern is that because I have the fuel delivery/carb problem with the starboard engine, I might not be able to get it started. I am just unsure if i should leave it as is all winter or do the anti-freeze and fogging oil procedure while its cranking even though it will not turn over.

 

[djredman99]

Just so I understand this correctly... can I just add some amount of marine anti-freeze (how much is recommended?) into the flush valve with the engine off and then get the engine started (the engine that does turn over) and then spray fogging oil into the carb and then remove the spark plugs and spray some more into the cylinders and just crank it to get it lubed up?

Just use pink RV antifreeze. It can bought almost anywhere antifreeze is sold and is environmentally safe. Almost everyone on here will recommend the same.

When you say "flush valve", what are you refering to?

Here is the procedure for 97 Speedster. I am going to guess as say you will need help identifying the hoses you need to pinch. I don't have time at the moment to put pics up.

Procedure:

Install a hose pincher and firmly tighten on:
– water injection hose at tuned pipe
– engine drain tube coming from exhaust manifold before T-fitting
– hose right after T-fitting
– hose on cylinder head​

NOTE:
Hose pinchers must be firmly tightened
so that no antifreeze can flow through the blocked
hoses. If you hear the liquid flowing in the muffler
immediately after starting pouring antifreeze, it indicates
that antifreeze is bypassing the engine/
tuned pipe water jackets. To correct this,
firmly retighten hose pinchers.

Unscrew cap from flushing fitting on the edge of
engine compartment and insert a funnel into
flushing fitting. Pour about 2 liters (1/2 gal) of antifreeze
solution through the funnel. Let the antifreeze
enough time to flow. Moving the hose with
the T-fitting should accelerate the flow.​

Pour antifreeze until you see it flowing out of
tuned pipe bleed hose. At this time only, the entire
circuit is filled with antifreeze.​

Remove hose pincher from injection hose at
tuned pipe and continue to pour approximately
200 mL (7 oz). This will allow antifreeze to flow
inside muffler to protect it.​

When finished, remove all remaining hose pinchers.
Most of the antifreeze will drain out when removing
hose pinchers. Use a container to recover it.
Dispose antifreeze as per your local laws and regulations.​

NOTE:
Although antifreeze will mainly drain out,
the antifreeze has flowed to mix with water that
was possibly trapped in cooling system cavities
and thus preventing freezing problems.​

NOTE:
For pre-season preparation, drain antifreeze
from cooling system prior to launching
boat in water as explained above.​

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[Drewery]

im probably using the incorrect word, but there is a plastic threaded hose valve that i hook a garden hose up to when I want to flush out the engines with fresh water after using my boat in the saltwater.
The procedures you sent over would be quite helpful as they are very conclusive, but you are right, I do not know what hoses it is referring to. It was a bit over my head. You have been very helpful so far. I am very thankful for your responses. Pictures of course would be helpful if you have a chance to post something up. That would be great. Thank you again!

 

[djredman99]

im probably using the incorrect word, but there is a plastic threaded hose valve that i hook a garden hose up to when I want to flush out the engines with fresh water after using my boat in the saltwater.

No, that is not where you put antifreeze. Since gravity would not help you out, as it is too low, you would need pressure to get it in there and without the engine running, could end up backing up through the exhaust and into places you don't want it.