I purchased a 04 Powerquest 380 Avenger and I have a silly question from a Newbie here.. The Engines will crank over but no start .. Do the Sterndrives have to be down for the Engines to fire up? Reason why I am asking is that right now the Sterndrives are not going down.. Another issue here I am Battling ... Thanks

No, the drives do not have to be down but it's not a good idea to run the boat with them up because it's hard on the u joints. Look around for a couple of switches someone may have installed as theft prevention, possibly in the engine compartment.

or a fuel shutoff valve somewhere.

I'll let someone more knowledgeable about engine internals or the neutral safety switch give a better response but I know for sure you should never start an IO with the drives in the up trailering position.

Safety lanyard looks attached, but not all the way up??

I don't think it'll turn over if the kill switches aren't made..........or am I wrong?

It would help if we knew what engines are in the boat ??

It will crank if the kill switch is pulled, but won't start. The kill switch disconnects the purple wire going to gauges and motor.

Turn the key to ON and see if the fuel gauge and others come on. If fuel gauge comes up, and if you see the tach show about 300 rpm while cranking then its not the kill switch.

As others have said what motors, and serial numbers are best?

Fuel, Air, Spark, Timing
1. Hit it with starting fluid--- Does it fire Yes... find out why your not getting fuel. No... see 2.
2. Pull plug wire and check for spark. Does it have spark No.... find out why no spark. Yes... see 3.
3. Does it have air/compression No... find out why no compression. Yes... see 4.
4. Is timing set properly?

For stern drives try jumping the solenoid using a screw driver and place it on the brass parts on the solenoid. If it goes down, replace solenoid. Check the drive pumps and make sure all the fitting are tight and not leaking, make sure there is fluid in trim pump as well.