timing a 2000 challenger merc.

[caffinated]

Wow.....Lots of threads to read. Haven't come across any concerning timing of six cylinder 240 EFI.
So thought I would post to pose my question.
The problem started when a tine from hydro surge lodged between stator housing and impeller.

The engine won't start when launched into water, but will when hooked up to garden hose.
I'm guessing that the stator on top of engine may have sheared a keyway, although I don't
know for sure if there is a keyway or the fit may be a tapered one. Any who, would it be possible
to check the timing or maybe to pull the flywheel to see if the flywheel continued to turn while the engine
stopped abruptly. Thus creating an advanced spark situation. The boat runs great at full throttle
but smokes quite a bit at idle and low R.P.M. Can only start in the water by jumping across the
stater leads.

Thanks in advance for any help with this dilema, Caffinated

 

[Dr Honda]

First... I'll move this to the proper section... and I'll be back.

 

[Dr Honda]

OK... I re-read your post... and it's not making sense to me. But, let's start with the facts:

1) There are very few threads on timing the Merc engines, because they never go out of time. Even if you rip the engine apart, for a rebuild... you can simply bolt the parts back on (throttle arm, and stator) and the timing will be where it was before. (unless you mess with rod lengths)

2) There isn't a "Key" in the flywheel. At least one that is replaceable. The top of the crank is serrated, and one spot is missing a tooth. Then, the flywheel has one spot that is wide. So... the flywheel only goes on, in one position. If the nut is tight... it can't move. BUT... I have heard of a few flywheels breaking loose, and ripping the teeth out. So... if timing is suspect... you need to remove the flywheel and check.



Now for the part I don't understand.


You said it won't start in the water, but it will on the hose. But, then you said you can start it in the water if you jump the starter.

So... what way is it? Will it, or will it not, run in the water? (regardless of method to make it happen)

 

[caffinated]

Thanks Dr. Honda,
I am sorry that I posted to the wrong section of the forum...oops. Yes the Seadoo challenger will run in the water, but only after I jump
the yellow terminal on solenoid to red terminal. The starter will not stay engaged on it's own.. probably bad starter, not sure... The motor will start when on a garden hose. sounds hard to believe I know. Maybe less drag on impeller.
This water craft ran great before I left it at a boat shop to be winterized last fall. The technician said that a tine shot out of impeller
across parking lot. then I found one tine lodged as described earlier, against stator housing and impeller. Please let me know if I can pull
the flywheel with say a steering wheel puller and a plastic guard against crank end. Thanks again.....

 

[Coastiejoe]

Thanks Dr. Honda,
I am sorry that I posted to the wrong section of the forum...oops. Yes the Seadoo challenger will run in the water, but only after I jump
the yellow terminal on solenoid to red terminal. The starter will not stay engaged on it's own.. probably bad starter, not sure... The motor will start when on a garden hose. sounds hard to believe I know. Maybe less drag on impeller.
This water craft ran great before I left it at a boat shop to be winterized last fall. The technician said that a tine shot out of impeller
across parking lot. then I found one tine lodged as described earlier, against stator housing and impeller. Please let me know if I can pull
the flywheel with say a steering wheel puller and a plastic guard against crank end. Thanks again.....

By jumping the yellow wire to the red wire on the solenoid you are acting as the key and engaging the solenoid which then engages the starter. You could do the same thing is you were to jump across the solenoid for example.

This tells me that something in front of the solenoid is not doing its job. I do not know what you do to start the boats, (skis are push button for example), but what ever it is is the likely culprit. You should have power coming into the button/key and then out when you press the button or turn the key. This power coming out from the start circuit is the yellow wire you are jumping at the solenoid. (this assumes that the boats work the same as the skis).

Doc Honda will confirm/deny this...

 

[Dr Honda]

Yep.....


You have high resistance in the wires going up and back from the key. Check the connections, and you will probably find a corroded wire. This was a problem with some of the Suzuki engines. We actually had to add a second relay to get enough power to the solenoid on those. But the Merc's should be fine with the OEM wires.


Some of the flywheels have spots for a 3 bolt puller, and some don't. Just take the plastic top cover off, and see if you have to bolt holes. If you don't... you can get a lifting eye/puller tool for about $40.

 

[caffinated]

Thanks for the reply guys..
I will double check the wires going to and from the ignition key to starter solenoid.
Will let you guys know what I find when I remove flywheel.
Probably won't get a chance till this weekend...