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I have a problem starting my boat

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fixitmyself

New member
when you turn the key the motor cranks but will not turn over. When I removed the spark plugs and cleaned them and dipped them in gas, wiped them, and put them back in, the motor starts without a problem. I removed the spark plugs and wiped them again, and again the motor started without a problem. When I put new spark plugs in, it would not start, but it starts fine with the older spark plugs. Can anyone tell me what my problem might be? Thank you.
I have a 69 Johnson 115hp.
 
So today I bought some carb cleaner and a compression gauge hoping I could try these items. Unfortunately, when I tried to start the motor today I couldn't get it going no matter what.
Tried dipping spark plugs in gas again, but didn't work.
Tried boosting battery, didn't work.
Noticed that thing that pops up to the flywheel (I think it is called) hesitates, but bilge pump, radio and fish finder get power no problem.

Any suggestions, please. I am not mechanically inclind, but not affraid to get my hands dirty.
 
Sounds like a fuel delivory problem.Remove and do a dip and clean of the carbs with new kits in each.ALL the kit parts installed.

I dont understand this sentence (when you turn the key the motor cranks but will not turn over) Cranking is turning over?? Does the starter bendix gear not enguage the flywheel?
 
Sorry, not good with mechanical phrases. Ment it makes the noise an engine makes when it won't turn over.
The gear hits the flywheel, but hesitates before springing up and seems sluggish.
 
So does it turn the flywheel?? The gear that hesitates may need a clean and oil.Use some carb cleaner spray type and clean the shaft the bendix gear is on (the one that hesitates) spray it and turn it a few times by hand,(it will move up and down by turning it) then oil it with light weight oil, 3 in one oil, sewing machine oil LIGHT WEIGHT.Try it and see what it does.
 
Have your battery load tested at your local parts house and then clean and tighten all the battery connections on both the battery and the mtr.
 
The starter will seem sluggish.----------------That motor will be " in forward gear " untill it spins one revolution , to put it in nuetral.
 
The benix gear does turn the flywheel. I could better describe it as it almost seems the flywheel turns the gear (at least that is almost how it appears). Gear is all cleaned and oiled up, battery is brand new. All accessories are on a seperate switch that needs to be clicked on for them to power on.
I am starting to think this is a fuel distribution issue, however to use the carb cleaner and compression gauge I have to get the motor going. I can pump fuel into the filter area so I know it reaches that but after that, I am lost.
Can I do a compression test if the motor won't start?
What readings should I be looking for in this kind of motor?

I really appreciate everyones imput, and do take all the advice seriously. Thank you
 
To see if its a fuel delivery problem,Put a teaspoon of MIXED fuel in each cylinder,(remove each plug) put the fuel in and get the plug in go to the next do the same.Then start it,it should start and run if it dies no fuel making its way to the cylinders.ALSO make sure the fuel tank hose is hooked to the motor and fuel is in the tank.Who knows it may start and run? it may start run,die because of no fuel.Its a start to finding a problem.
 
The motor does not need to run to do a compression check. You just need to put the tester in each spark plug hole and crank the motor over a few revolutions with the starter. I don't know the exact reading your motor should be but all the cylinders should have the same reading within about 10 psi or so. Low readings on individual cylinders would indicate there is a problem. The only way to properly clean boat carbs is to get a rebuilding kit, disassemble them, soak all the pieces in solvent, make sure all passageways are open, re-assemble with new components from your rebuilding kit. You won't have much luck running carb cleaner thru your fuel tank or spraying it down the throats of your carbs.
 
An update as to where I am at.
Did manage to get the motor started again. Left a battery charger on battery overnight. When ready to try motor, dipped plugs in gas again. Took a few tries but it did start up.
Sprayed the carb cleaner into the carb throats, let the motor idle for a bit, then sprayed again. Did this a few times.
Shut motor off, tried starting again, it started, reved the motor, then let it idle again.
Let it sit a few hours, then repeated the start, reve idle thing again.
Have let it sit over night, gonna see if and how it starts today.
 
Carb cleaner " mechanic in a can " ----will not clean the metering jets in the bottom of the bowl !!!---------------You need to take carburetors apart for proper cleaning.---------------If you run this motor with one plugged jet you risk serious damage to the motor.------One cylinder would not get any fuel and that means no oil either.
 
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