Has your engine failed to start? Were you able to overcome the problem yourself, were you forced to call for help, or did you sail away without it? What was the trouble, and (if you did) how did you fix it? Get your story started here, then vote in Quick Quiz at the bottom of the home page.
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Batteries!
The only starting problems we have ever had was with the batteries. Originally had a starting problem when the boat was about 3-4 years old and we replaced the original batteries. This happened again this season and again we replaced the batteries. We always use biocide in our fuel and change the filters and oil annually. We also change the belts every 4-5 years as a preventative maintenance item. We have never changed any of the hoses on the engine in 14 years but that is going to be on the list for next season.
The only starting problems we have ever had was with the batteries. Originally had a starting problem when the boat was about 3-4 years old and we replaced the original batteries. This happened again this season and again we replaced the batteries. We always use biocide in our fuel and change the filters and oil annually. We also change the belts every 4-5 years as a preventative maintenance item. We have never changed any of the hoses on the engine in 14 years but that is going to be on the list for next season.
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Michael
Outboard Engine Quits!!!!
My brand new 3 hour young 8 HP outboard quit on me as I was leaving the channel in Pt. Judith RI. This was the Saturday before July 4th, so the channel was pretty busy. I had my S.O. Jen as well as 2 of our friends onboard. After the engine quit, I quickly attempted to start the engine again. After about 4 pulls and no sign of life, I quickly put up the main and unfurled the jib and sailed out of the channel. Once out of the channel, one of our friends gave the anchor the heave ho so that we could look at the engine in a more relaxed manner! After determining that there was no hope in getting the engine started again, we put the sails back up, raised the anchor, and sailed back to the mooring. Luckily the wind was coming from a direction which made it a nice easy run home. We passed "Sea Tow" on our way in and Jen wanted to call them over to help us, but I didn't think we needed them and sure enough, we didn't. The sails are there right? Why not use them! I don't know what the problem with the engine was because after some hard work from my father, the retailer agreed to give us a new engine rather than having this one serviced. I didn't want to service a brand new engine. We did end up losing all of the 4th of July holiday and this past weekend as far as sailing is concerned, but we made the best of it between quahogging and making chowder and just enjoying the water. The new engine finally came in this past Thursday, so we're back in business.
My brand new 3 hour young 8 HP outboard quit on me as I was leaving the channel in Pt. Judith RI. This was the Saturday before July 4th, so the channel was pretty busy. I had my S.O. Jen as well as 2 of our friends onboard. After the engine quit, I quickly attempted to start the engine again. After about 4 pulls and no sign of life, I quickly put up the main and unfurled the jib and sailed out of the channel. Once out of the channel, one of our friends gave the anchor the heave ho so that we could look at the engine in a more relaxed manner! After determining that there was no hope in getting the engine started again, we put the sails back up, raised the anchor, and sailed back to the mooring. Luckily the wind was coming from a direction which made it a nice easy run home. We passed "Sea Tow" on our way in and Jen wanted to call them over to help us, but I didn't think we needed them and sure enough, we didn't. The sails are there right? Why not use them! I don't know what the problem with the engine was because after some hard work from my father, the retailer agreed to give us a new engine rather than having this one serviced. I didn't want to service a brand new engine. We did end up losing all of the 4th of July holiday and this past weekend as far as sailing is concerned, but we made the best of it between quahogging and making chowder and just enjoying the water. The new engine finally came in this past Thursday, so we're back in business.
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John Allison
Dead battery
Had been sailing all summer, with a fair amount of that being after dark. Should have known better, when my 9.9 Mercury turned over sluggishly (not its usual perky self). Went out for the evening and came in after dark. Winds were lite and the seas relatively calm. Running lights had been on for about an hour. Went to start the engine - nothing. Pull started numerous times - nothing. Raised the sails and came in sailing right into the slip. No bumps, no dings, just a proud look. Took the motor off the next day and took it to a dealer - took the battery off the next day and took it to the charger - installed a second battery the following day. Knew it was the batteries but was worried about the fact that the motor would not pull start. Dealer went over the motor and then commented on the fact that this particular motor would have pull started fine if I had disconnected it from the battery. Retried starting several days later by pull (battery disconnected) - worked fine.
Had been sailing all summer, with a fair amount of that being after dark. Should have known better, when my 9.9 Mercury turned over sluggishly (not its usual perky self). Went out for the evening and came in after dark. Winds were lite and the seas relatively calm. Running lights had been on for about an hour. Went to start the engine - nothing. Pull started numerous times - nothing. Raised the sails and came in sailing right into the slip. No bumps, no dings, just a proud look. Took the motor off the next day and took it to a dealer - took the battery off the next day and took it to the charger - installed a second battery the following day. Knew it was the batteries but was worried about the fact that the motor would not pull start. Dealer went over the motor and then commented on the fact that this particular motor would have pull started fine if I had disconnected it from the battery. Retried starting several days later by pull (battery disconnected) - worked fine.
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Guest
No starting problems, however......
when my 87' Legend 37 was new and I was motoring just outside Mattituck, the engine died. Mattituck is the only inlet on the North Shore of Long Island between Port Jeff and the RACE. Bottom line is that there is nowhere else to go for 15 mi. in any direction and after an 8 hr day, I didn't want another 5/6 hr. sail. Afterall that's why we were motoring. Anyway, a $200 call to Sea Tow, they came & towed me to the Marina at the head of the inlet(you cannot sail into this inlet) and the problem was diagnosed as the screen in the fuel pickup tube was clogged. They removed it and the sucker started right up. Expensive lesson but I learned. Can't have too many of these lessons. I've learned a lot since then..
when my 87' Legend 37 was new and I was motoring just outside Mattituck, the engine died. Mattituck is the only inlet on the North Shore of Long Island between Port Jeff and the RACE. Bottom line is that there is nowhere else to go for 15 mi. in any direction and after an 8 hr day, I didn't want another 5/6 hr. sail. Afterall that's why we were motoring. Anyway, a $200 call to Sea Tow, they came & towed me to the Marina at the head of the inlet(you cannot sail into this inlet) and the problem was diagnosed as the screen in the fuel pickup tube was clogged. They removed it and the sucker started right up. Expensive lesson but I learned. Can't have too many of these lessons. I've learned a lot since then..
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Bryan C.
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Jack Laird
All the time
A very little starting fluid works great. Engine will not start cold with out it, never has never will I guess. Ok when warmed up.
A very little starting fluid works great. Engine will not start cold with out it, never has never will I guess. Ok when warmed up.
Jack L.
Jack: What engine do you have? Have you ever had anyone look at your engine? These engines should NEVER need starting fluid. I was always told this is emergency stuff only!
Jack: What engine do you have? Have you ever had anyone look at your engine? These engines should NEVER need starting fluid. I was always told this is emergency stuff only!
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Jay Eaton
Electrolyte & Sludge
On the former NEVERMORE, we kept the battery charger on while we were away from the boat. It eventually boiled off enough of the battery electrolyte that they died. However, after replenishing the fluid and recharging, they came alive to serve again. Lessons learned - we no longer find it necessary to leave the battery charger on while we are away and we check the battery fluid regularly. Another time, the engine stalled and would not restart due to sludge build up in the Racor. Eventually, we replaced the entire fuel system because of severe build up in the tank. Lessons learned - use a biocide with each fill and check the Racor filter regularly.
On the former NEVERMORE, we kept the battery charger on while we were away from the boat. It eventually boiled off enough of the battery electrolyte that they died. However, after replenishing the fluid and recharging, they came alive to serve again. Lessons learned - we no longer find it necessary to leave the battery charger on while we are away and we check the battery fluid regularly. Another time, the engine stalled and would not restart due to sludge build up in the Racor. Eventually, we replaced the entire fuel system because of severe build up in the tank. Lessons learned - use a biocide with each fill and check the Racor filter regularly.
B
Bob England
Even funnier than not starting
Many years ago when I bought my first keel boat, a 20 footer, I wanted to keep the little British Seagull outboard I had used on my 16' sailing dinghy. The dealer assured me that this engine would be OK. So, when the big day came for the launch of the brand new boat, the dealer towed the boat on its trailer to a launching ramp, dropped it in the water, and took off to his next appointment. I installed the motor on the transom, and started it up, expecting to motor off into boating bliss. Unfortunately, the motor shaft was too short to reach the water! Just enough of the prop was in the water to make a b-i-g splash. There was no wind, so I couldn't sail. Eventually, I got a tow from a small power boat (shame!) to my dock, and then headed off to buy a new motor.
Many years ago when I bought my first keel boat, a 20 footer, I wanted to keep the little British Seagull outboard I had used on my 16' sailing dinghy. The dealer assured me that this engine would be OK. So, when the big day came for the launch of the brand new boat, the dealer towed the boat on its trailer to a launching ramp, dropped it in the water, and took off to his next appointment. I installed the motor on the transom, and started it up, expecting to motor off into boating bliss. Unfortunately, the motor shaft was too short to reach the water! Just enough of the prop was in the water to make a b-i-g splash. There was no wind, so I couldn't sail. Eventually, I got a tow from a small power boat (shame!) to my dock, and then headed off to buy a new motor.
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Stevec
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Bryan C.
Sometimes the dumbest things ....
are the stupidest things. Returning from the Bahamas last trip in my 35 with a buddy. GPS had died on the way over so we're doing it the old fashioned way. Winds are about 10 knts, but I don't have time to waste in the Stream so we are motor sailing. 5 1/2 hours into the trip the motor stopped. Thought it was the fuel filter but check the gas gauge just in case and she's bone dry. I couldn't have imagined that I'd had used that much fuel. Well fortunately, the wind's blowing so we plug along under sail (it is a sailboat) making 4.5 - 5knts. About an hour and a half later we are hit by a 30 knt squall (and almost lightening) and the wind totally dies. I figure after 7 hours I have to be close to something, but can't see anything because of the clouds and haze. Was starting to make me a little nervous since we weren't going anywhere. Then the horizon cleared and I saw the marker for the Biscayne channel. Finally got tired of flogging and swallowed my pride and called BoatUS for some diesel. For all the talk about this boat versus that one on the seaworthiness scale, it's the stupid things that get you in trouble ...
are the stupidest things. Returning from the Bahamas last trip in my 35 with a buddy. GPS had died on the way over so we're doing it the old fashioned way. Winds are about 10 knts, but I don't have time to waste in the Stream so we are motor sailing. 5 1/2 hours into the trip the motor stopped. Thought it was the fuel filter but check the gas gauge just in case and she's bone dry. I couldn't have imagined that I'd had used that much fuel. Well fortunately, the wind's blowing so we plug along under sail (it is a sailboat) making 4.5 - 5knts. About an hour and a half later we are hit by a 30 knt squall (and almost lightening) and the wind totally dies. I figure after 7 hours I have to be close to something, but can't see anything because of the clouds and haze. Was starting to make me a little nervous since we weren't going anywhere. Then the horizon cleared and I saw the marker for the Biscayne channel. Finally got tired of flogging and swallowed my pride and called BoatUS for some diesel. For all the talk about this boat versus that one on the seaworthiness scale, it's the stupid things that get you in trouble ...
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Jack Laird
Steve Dion - starter fluid
Engine has never been maintained by any one other than myself. Have changed oils promptly, changed mixer pipe one time, and changed fuel filter and empeller. Plus lots of adjustments. Engine runs great at all RPM's, always has, Just dosn't like a cold start. This is a 17 year old problem as I've had the boat that long. I've learned to live with it but sure wish it worked properly. Got any ideas?
Engine has never been maintained by any one other than myself. Have changed oils promptly, changed mixer pipe one time, and changed fuel filter and empeller. Plus lots of adjustments. Engine runs great at all RPM's, always has, Just dosn't like a cold start. This is a 17 year old problem as I've had the boat that long. I've learned to live with it but sure wish it worked properly. Got any ideas?
Jacks hard start.
Jack: You know these engines are usually so easy to start even when they sit for a prolonged period of time. Ours starts after one or two turns of the engine, but thats our engine not yours. Have you done a valve adjustment? I'm just thinking that this may be something to look at. I would also go through the manual and check out their check list in the back of the manual. As I remember they have a series of things to look at. If that does not work, I think I would look at having a GOOD (recommended) Yanmar guy look at the engine. I would bet that it is a simple adjustment (but you need to know where to look).
Jack: You know these engines are usually so easy to start even when they sit for a prolonged period of time. Ours starts after one or two turns of the engine, but thats our engine not yours. Have you done a valve adjustment? I'm just thinking that this may be something to look at. I would also go through the manual and check out their check list in the back of the manual. As I remember they have a series of things to look at. If that does not work, I think I would look at having a GOOD (recommended) Yanmar guy look at the engine. I would bet that it is a simple adjustment (but you need to know where to look).
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David
1980 27' Renault dies
After 10 great seasons my diesel stopped suddenly after grabbing a crab pot. I hope to repower with a Yanmar 1GM10 9.1 hp diesel. Has anyone done this and how many manhours does it take?
After 10 great seasons my diesel stopped suddenly after grabbing a crab pot. I hope to repower with a Yanmar 1GM10 9.1 hp diesel. Has anyone done this and how many manhours does it take?
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Jack Laird
Steve Dion
It's a Renault. Oh me. Have adjusted valves. I don't think there is such a thing as a Renault mech. I see we made the big time with this thread, we are at the top of the home page. Wish I had a few or even one good idea. Instant start and good smooth runing with a shot of starter. Even today at 100 degrees it just won't go without help. Maybe I should try a manual shot of diesel before I crank the engine. Do you supose that the pump is bleeding down? Have any idea if other symptoms would show?
It's a Renault. Oh me. Have adjusted valves. I don't think there is such a thing as a Renault mech. I see we made the big time with this thread, we are at the top of the home page. Wish I had a few or even one good idea. Instant start and good smooth runing with a shot of starter. Even today at 100 degrees it just won't go without help. Maybe I should try a manual shot of diesel before I crank the engine. Do you supose that the pump is bleeding down? Have any idea if other symptoms would show?
Parlez vous.......Jacques
You are not speaking to her with an accent<haha>. You know Jack that this sounds like some problem like that, but I would assume that if it was leaking down there would be some type of a leak. A leak should allow air into the system which would cause other problem. I have to assume that someone should be able to diagnosis this. You should keep this thread alive so all those other Renault owners can benefit from your input on this subject. Bon chance
You are not speaking to her with an accent<haha>. You know Jack that this sounds like some problem like that, but I would assume that if it was leaking down there would be some type of a leak. A leak should allow air into the system which would cause other problem. I have to assume that someone should be able to diagnosis this. You should keep this thread alive so all those other Renault owners can benefit from your input on this subject. Bon chance
C
Charles Savoca
Yanmar Engine Trouble
We had to have the key switch replaced to a larger voltage capacity. In doing this we, on occasion, had a no start condition when trying to start. By trying repeatedly, we ascertained We had to have the key switch replaced to a larger voltage capacity. In doing this we, on occasion, had a no start condition when trying to start. By trying repeatedly, we ascertained we were able to build up a static 4-6 volts-enough to start the motor when the key was turned and the current left the battery to the panel to the keyswitch and finally to the starter. The distance is to great on the original manufactures wiring for a consist ant 12v to start. The remedy is inserting a solenoid on the engine ( as this acts as the ground ) and running the start circuit to this as well as a hot feed (12v) this allows for a travel distance for the current of less than 1m and not 12m. Any ? sail410@msn.com
We had to have the key switch replaced to a larger voltage capacity. In doing this we, on occasion, had a no start condition when trying to start. By trying repeatedly, we ascertained We had to have the key switch replaced to a larger voltage capacity. In doing this we, on occasion, had a no start condition when trying to start. By trying repeatedly, we ascertained we were able to build up a static 4-6 volts-enough to start the motor when the key was turned and the current left the battery to the panel to the keyswitch and finally to the starter. The distance is to great on the original manufactures wiring for a consist ant 12v to start. The remedy is inserting a solenoid on the engine ( as this acts as the ground ) and running the start circuit to this as well as a hot feed (12v) this allows for a travel distance for the current of less than 1m and not 12m. Any ? sail410@msn.com
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Jay Meyer
No starter fluid
Jack, it sounds as though your carb air/gas mix is too lean. Consult your manual and back out low idle mix srew by a 1/4 turn and check your plug gap.
Jack, it sounds as though your carb air/gas mix is too lean. Consult your manual and back out low idle mix srew by a 1/4 turn and check your plug gap.
J
Jay Meyer
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