Excessive fuel from fuel separator

[Ed Rousseau]

Good morning happy fourth. I have a 2001 seafood speedster with the 240 efi. It ran well last year put it to bed and winterized. Getting her ready to use for the season she won’t fire up. It turned over for awhile and just wouldn’t stay running gas is good changed plugs. Changed primer pump filter and water separator filter. She now won’t turn over now just a thump not the constant turning over I was getting at first. I’m thinking possibly starter voltage regulator or starter. Teeth petty worn out. One thing I did notice when I went to change water fuel separator fuel was pouring out of top of housing. Thinking maybe stuck float on vst any help would be much appreciated maybe chasing a couple problems. Thanks Ed

 

[Dr Honda]

This is a Mercury engine. I'll move it to the proper location for you.

There isn't such a thing as the "Starter Voltage Regulator" so I don't know exactly what part you may be thinking about. The part that turns the starter on and off is the starter solenoid. It could be bad... and the starter can also be bad.

BUT... since you are hearing a thump... I would simply try to turn the flywheel over by hand. You could have something stuck in the jet pump, and it's binding everything.

And finally... how's the battery? If it's weak, it may not spin the engine over.

 

[Ed Rousseau]

Thanks for chiming in your right I meant to say starter solenoid. I seemed to fix the fuel pouring out of the water fuel separator. I took apart the vst and cleaned the internal pump and filter. Also ran the pump on the bench to verify she is pumping. Back to the non starting issue I replaced the starter solenoid still nothing but clicking. Original starter is still on the engine teeth are pretty worn. Ordered a new starter hope I’m heading in the right direction. Thanks Ed

 

[Ed Rousseau]

Sorry I had the battery tested this morning getting good voltage but dropped to below 12.40 after load test. Put a new battery in still clicking looks like the starter is my culprit. Thanks Ed

 

[Tim75]

Since you ordered a new starter, I guess you did not know you can get just the gear on the starter for about $30. Takes about 1 minute to change, if the starter is removed.

Bad news: flywheel gear is part of the flywheel, meaning you have to replace the flywheel if those teeth are bad.

As for the solenoid clicking: As Dr. Honda said: crawl under the boat, with a flashlight. Look up in the tunnel for rope or wood binding the impeller.

Since you mentioned gas overflow, you may have injector leakage causing hydrolock. At least one cylinder may be full of gas. Remove all spark plugs, then turn over the engine with a socket wrench on end of crankshaft.

 

[Ed Rousseau]

Since you ordered a new starter, I guess you did not know you can get just the gear on the starter for about $30. Takes about 1 minute to change, if the starter is removed.

Bad news: flywheel gear is part of the flywheel, meaning you have to replace the flywheel if those teeth are bad.

As for the solenoid clicking: As Dr. Honda said: crawl under the boat, with a flashlight. Look up in the tunnel for rope or wood binding the impeller.

Since you mentioned gas overflow, you may have injector leakage causing hydrolock. At least one cylinder may be full of gas. Remove all spark plugs, then turn over the engine with a socket wrench on end of crankshaft.

 

[Ed Rousseau]

Thanks guys will take care of your suggestions tomorrow and get back to you all. Thanks for the feedback. Ed

 

[Ed Rousseau]

Hey guys checked the items you mentioned to look into. Got under the boat no obstructions or lines wrapped around jet drive shaft. I also pulled thplugs no excessive fuel a faint smell of fuel on plugs. Able to turn flywheel by hand still clicking and thumping starter gear not engaging flywheel any other suggestions is very much appreciated. Ed

 

[Tim75]

Your starter may have brushes that are "frozen" in the holders. The holders are steel that will rust. It could alo be the brushes are just too short. They are not too expensive- I bought a set for $10. Takes about an hour to replace.

 

[mudelkaholic]

Hey guys checked the items you mentioned to look into. Got under the boat no obstructions or lines wrapped around jet drive shaft. I also pulled thplugs no excessive fuel a faint smell of fuel on plugs. Able to turn flywheel by hand still clicking and thumping starter gear not engaging flywheel any other suggestions is very much appreciated. Ed

Depending upon where the “clicking and thumping” is coming my from, this could be minor or it could be an indication of significant issues

 

[Ed Rousseau]

Thank you for your help a new starter will be in tomorrow hopefully it solves my issue. Ed