Engine start up Issues
 

Twin 454's and the engines run great. I wouldnt say it starts super hard but it doesnt start easy and I usually have to pump the throttle on each 4-5 times as well. Im looking for these things to start on first turn of the key or at least easier. I was thinking maybe some carb cleaner in them. It't not electrical I dont think. I have new batteries this year and they read fine, also have new slave solenoids.

Could be fuel pumps leaking back fuel or carbs not holding fuel. Have carbs ever been rebuilt? kits are cheap.

i dont know. It shouldnt have a fuel pump since its carbed right

How do you think the fuel gets from the fuel tank to the carb then??

yes it has a fuel pump on it, but its mechanical VS an electric pump like a EFI boat would have.

dirty carb could be the issue?

ok thats what I thought. It seems the carbs either arent holding fuel or are dirty. What part would you rebuild if they were holding fuel

Are we talking hours between starts or days or weeks

My 525sc's sometimes take 8+ pumps when starting cold. Normally the rest of the day is fine, but the initial start is a challenge. my old 454 mpi was turn key & go.

carbs tend to do that if you leave boat sit for a week or even a few days I think fuel evaporates out of bowls and depending on your carbs you may not have chokes ( mine are hp series no choke ) b ut as was said above once they start mine will start easily they rest of the weekend , so I am not sure you have a problem unless somthing has changed or you are having trouble after they are warmed up

If they're losing fuel could be the needle seats. To check after shut down remove the air cleaner and look down the throttle bodies. You
will see fuel dripping if they are leaking. It is a common problem. When I had carbs I always kept a spare or two. Also may want to make sure your timing hasn't changed. I've seen that years ago in my ski boat.

Do a total rebuild on both...

Maybe a week or two between starts. And yes there is no chokes. I usually pump 2-3 times maybe I need to do it a a few more time and give it a little more throttle. Like I said once its running for the day its turn key every time. I also have the boat tilted when I store it, so maybe fuel is running out of them

Think about this....back in the 60's and 70's...when carbs were common...you almost ALWAYS had to pump the accelerator peddle a couple times to get the car started. Its no different now. Mine do the same thing on initial start up. Chokes would help...but I wouldnt worry about it. My chokes are disconnected.

I'm not picking on you when I say this...but if you didnt know there was a fuel pump on the motor, then I would let someone who knows what they are doing re-build them if thats what you ened up doing. :drink:

I have never seen a carb motor start after sitting for a WEEK or TWO without pumping the throttles. Its a carb, not electronic fuel injection. Your carbs are fine.

If they are Weber or Qjet carbs - thats normal on cold starts.

Both engines started to do this at the same time?

No chokes, Sits a week or two, Needs a few pumps to start, Sounds normal...

yeah both engines.

hey man I grew up with fuel injection. Little different ball game

Hahaha...I understand sir. I grew up when you got in the car...pumped the gas a couple times...PULLED THE CHOKE OUT...then fired it up...and pushed the choke back in after it was warm...lol. We also only had AM radio...and after a few years, we stepped into the "big time", and got an 8-track player. In my opinion...the best years of my life were when the high beam switch was on the floor in the lower left corner, and the shifter was a "3 on the tree". God I miss them days. :drink:

yeah plus if you never ask you dont learn either

I tell you what, i thought the high beam swtich on the floor was GREAT! the first car i had that wasnt like that and had it on the column annoyed the hell out of me!!!!:ernaehrung004:

another thing i have learned is on the first start in weeks after giving it 10 or so pumps, i keep it at about half throttle when trying to turn it over & feather it as it finally cranks over. then bring it back down to idle quickly once it is running. its been quite the learning experience on what it needs.

Don't forget the vapor locks! I had clothes pins, aluminum foil and who know what else hang'n on my 49 merc's gas line. LOL:hitit:

OMG thank goodness you had room on your boat .