Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos

Posted by Cogwhaler13 on 07/17/10 - 5:25 PM

Boat is a 13 whaler with a 30hp johnson 2 stroke. The engine had repairs done last week, it ran fine out of the water (some trouble starting). In the water it ran fine for about 20 minutes, and I stopped and started the engine twice during this time. As I pushed the throttle forward, the engine seemed to be loosing power, and then shut off. When i tried to start it, It would idle for a few seconds, then it would shut off as soon as the throttle was pushed forward. Any ideas of what could be wrong? I left my battery at a marina to be charged, so hopefully that's the problem.

Posted by ioptfm on 07/17/10 - 6:24 PM

If it's turning over and trying to start then it is very doubtful that it is the battery................Could be a number of things......bad fuel, overheating, motor could possibly be in safe mode which won't let it go at a faster speed

Posted by Cogwhaler13 on 07/17/10 - 6:37 PM

ok. The only action I see with the cover off is one smaller gear engaging against a larger one, yet the gears seem to be weakly pushing each other, thus not starting

Posted by Joe Kriz on 07/17/10 - 6:39 PM

It would idle for a few seconds, then it would shut off

Once an engine starts, the battery does not keep it running.

Have you tried using the emergency pull rope to start the engine?

It should be very easy with a 30hp...
My 150hp has the emergency rope although I have never had to use it.

Edited by Joe Kriz on 07/17/10 - 6:41 PM

Posted by Joe Kriz on 07/17/10 - 6:42 PM

Yes, and I would suggest you buy one and keep it onboard.

The rope wraps around the top of the flywheel.
Do you see the notch and the groove on top of the flywheel for a rope?

Edited by Joe Kriz on 07/17/10 - 6:43 PM

Posted by Cogwhaler13 on 07/17/10 - 6:47 PM

it didnt see one. What is the best guess for what is wrong. Spark plugs, starter...? I have the option to get it fixed so I would go for that. I will definitely get an emergency rope for next time though

Posted by Joe Kriz on 07/17/10 - 6:52 PM

If the engine turns over and starts, it is not the starter and it is not the battery and probably not spark plugs.

If it runs for a little while and then quits, your guess is as good as mine.
You have to start eliminating things but then, like you said, you have the option to get it fixed.
Sounds more like fuel, fuel lines, fuel bulb, but that would just be a starting guess.

How old is your gas?
How old are your fuel lines?
How old is the fuel primer bulb?
How old is the portable fuel tank?

What year is the motor?

It could also be choke that is stuck in the ON position.
Do you know where your choke is ????

Edited by Joe Kriz on 07/17/10 - 6:58 PM

Posted by Cogwhaler13 on 07/17/10 - 6:58 PM

all fuel lines are in good shape. tank is new and gas is half new half old. The engine will not start and quit, it did at one point, but now it wont start at all

motor is johnson 1960-70 not sure

Edited by Cogwhaler13 on 07/17/10 - 6:59 PM

Posted by Joe Kriz on 07/17/10 - 7:00 PM

#10

Sounds like you need to take it back to where you had it fixed and have them diagnose it.....

Good Luck and let us know.

Posted by Mike-Conover on 07/17/10 - 8:19 PM

#12

If it did start and run, then I think a bit of investigation is in order. With the cover off the engine, remove one of the spark plugs and check its condition after trying to start the engine.

If the plug is wet, I'd suspect an ignition problem. Put the boot back on the spark plug and hold it against a metal part of the engine. TUrn the motor over. Are you getting spark? If not you have an ignition problem.

If you have spark, you must suspect a fuel problem. Get a different can of fresh gas and try again.

This should help you isolate the problem if not solve it.

Posted by Cogwhaler13 on 07/17/10 - 9:07 PM

#13

not sure if this is relevant: my brother filled the tank with gas and oil this morning. The ratio is 1 pint per 6 gal. He added 2 more gal to the tank and 1 pint of oil, so obviously there's too much oil to gas ratio. Could this be the problem? if it is what is the best option to get rid of excess oil?

Posted by MW on 07/18/10 - 2:08 AM

#14

Save that fuel for the lawn mower, "ALWAYS" start with fresh fuel mix at 50:1 ratio ( add 3 oz of 2 stroke oil per gallon of fuel), it's Definately "over oiled" after adding 1pt. to 2 gals of gas, resulting in hard starting. Start over with the fresh fuel mix and mix it like a chemist. I'm suspicious of the engine going in for repairs then "Running fine" out of the water with "some trouble starting". I would start with the proper fuel mix and see where we are.

Posted by duf on 07/18/10 - 5:10 AM

#15

i would suggest cleaning the spark plugs as well as they will probably have a pretty good coating of over oiled fuel.

Duf