Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos

Posted by fred s on 06/07/11 - 5:39 AM

Starts with key, runs great. After an hours run I can shut it off for an hour and have to start it manually. I can run for another hour or so and it quits. When I try the key the battery sounds as if it is discharged. New battery, that shows fully charged. Two hours later it may start with the key. Any Suggestions? Thanks, Fred S

Posted by fred s on 06/09/11 - 5:52 PM

Come on some of you "wrench" guys. Help an old machinist that hasn't a clue about motors, but can build one!

Posted by Sax416 on 06/09/11 - 6:27 PM

Sounds like the charging system is failing. The battery is strong enough to gain a recharge after resting. Unfortunately I don't know much about the charging systems on outboards. If it was a car I'd say your alternator was shot.

Posted by Tom W Clark on 06/09/11 - 6:42 PM

You have a 1966 35hp Mercury outboard that actually starts?!

I am in awe.

Posted by Derwd24 on 06/09/11 - 8:01 PM

Sounds like you might be getting heat build up at a bad connection. The hotter it gets, the more resistance it has.

Start by disconnecting and cleaning the battery cables and the terminals at both the battery and engine. If you have wing nuts on your battery, swap them out for a regular nut and lock washer, and use a socket or box end to tighten everything down well. While you're doing that, look around for other connection points in the engine that may be suspect, loose, or corroded.

Posted by Joe Kriz on 06/09/11 - 9:47 PM

A couple more insights...

1. Many engines have an overheat shutdown and will not restart until it has cooled down.
Is your motor overheating?
Is your water pump working by viewing the telltale stream?

2. Do you know if your charging system is charging?
Do you have a voltmeter onboard?

Posted by fred s on 06/12/11 - 4:00 AM

Thanks guys. Local mechanic is looking at it now. Boat (13' Sport) also 1966, had been in storage for 30 plus years. The fellow I bought it from said the motor probably had less than 50 hours on it. If appearances mean anything I am sure that is true. Inside the cowl is as clean as it can be. Hopefully it is a wiring thing. Thanks again.

Posted by Joe Kriz on 06/12/11 - 10:50 AM

If it's been sitting for 30 years you can almost guarantee it will need a new water pump.