1989 351 Ford fuel issues at startup only
Printed From: CorrectCraftFan.com
Category: Repairs and Maintenance
Forum Name: Engine Repair
Forum Discription: Engine problems and solutions
URL: http://www.CorrectCraftFan.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=42113
Printed Date: May-01-2024 at 10:27pm
Topic: 1989 351 Ford fuel issues at startup only
Posted By: NautiqueOasis
Subject: 1989 351 Ford fuel issues at startup only
Date Posted: November-05-2017 at 3:50am
| The last few times I have had my boat out it takes multiple tries to get the engine to start when cold; seems like it is not getting gas initially. Once I get it started, the engine runs like a top with no problems starting it later that day. Suggestions? |
Replies:
Posted By: tryathlete
Date Posted: November-05-2017 at 4:26am
|
If you’ve been starting your boat in late October and early November, it’s probably a lot colder than what you’re set up for. More choke via adjustment or a few pumps of the throttle before engaging the starter may be all you need to solve this little issue. I sure would not adjust the choke now for what few days you might have left even in warm sunny OH. |
Posted By: NautiqueOasis
Date Posted: November-05-2017 at 11:52am
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It has been an ongoing issue during the last three outings in Aug/early Sept. When it occurred again when I was winterizing the boat last Thursday, I decided to post the problem. |
Posted By: tryathlete
Date Posted: November-05-2017 at 1:00pm
| My buddy’s carbureted 351 MC acts the same way. He needs a good carb cleaning, chicken leaning and adjustment and spark plugs which he’s going to tend to thisnoff-season. |
Posted By: NautiqueOasis
Date Posted: November-05-2017 at 1:53pm
| Carburetor rebuilt by professional in July and spark plugs looked good at that time |
Posted By: tryathlete
Date Posted: November-05-2017 at 2:01pm
| Did it run properly and start better before the carb rebuild? |
Posted By: 63 Skier
Date Posted: November-05-2017 at 2:47pm
That might be exactly what's happening. I'd check the fuel flow from the tank, anti-siphon valve, put a fuel pressure gauge on and see what it reads on cold start. ------------- '63 American Skier - '98 Sport Nautique |
NautiqueOasis wrote:Posted By: tryathlete
Date Posted: November-05-2017 at 4:23pm
|
Could be but if it runs fine at full throttle I sort of doubt there’s a pressure issue. Still thinking choke or idle fuel mixture perhaps a bit off. Did the carb rebuilder tune the carb on the engine? |
Posted By: throttle out
Date Posted: November-06-2017 at 9:05am
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Seems to me this is only doing this to you in the colder months of the season. My 89 does the same thing at any temp below 60-65 degrees and has done so since 1989. Once it's up to temp it runs flawlessly. some things are worth opening a can of worms for, this is not one of them IMO. ------------- 1989 Ski Nautique 2001 351 PCM w/ 1-1.23 |
Posted By: GottaSki
Date Posted: November-06-2017 at 11:07am
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I concur, colder = more pumps prior to turning Pumping while cranking is not the same thing and is less effective Also longer duration between uses can leave the bowls empty due to evap, making your first efforts nill. ------------- "There is nothing, absolutely nothing, half so much worthwhile as messing around with boats...simply messing." River Rat to Mole |
Posted By: 63 Skier
Date Posted: November-06-2017 at 12:01pm
Guys, he said it has been the same since August, so not cold related. ------------- '63 American Skier - '98 Sport Nautique |
Posted By: throttle out
Date Posted: November-06-2017 at 1:49pm
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It was actually a cold August for us up here this year. it may very well not be his problem but a cold carbureted engine always appreciates a pump or two before you start it. ------------- 1989 Ski Nautique 2001 351 PCM w/ 1-1.23 |
Posted By: 63 Skier
Date Posted: November-06-2017 at 1:56pm
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Oh I definitely agree, I have a 454 with no choke that needs lots of accelerator pump help to start and keep running, Just was clarifying that it wasn't just an October 50 degree issue. ------------- '63 American Skier - '98 Sport Nautique |
Posted By: throttle out
Date Posted: November-06-2017 at 2:06pm
 ------------- 1989 Ski Nautique 2001 351 PCM w/ 1-1.23 |
Posted By: 8122pbrainard
Date Posted: November-06-2017 at 2:56pm
|
Dan, You must have missed these questions when you were on site last evening.
Answering them may help us get a better idea of what's wrong. ------------- /diaries/details.asp?ID=1622" rel="nofollow - 54 Atom /diaries/details.asp?ID=2179" rel="nofollow - 77 Tique 64 X55 Dunphy Keep it original, Pete < |
Posted By: NautiqueOasis
Date Posted: November-09-2017 at 2:40am
Sorry that I did not answer the post questions earlier. Unfortunately, we had some flash flood water damage to our property Sunday nite so I have been preoccupied cleaning up debris. Here is the history with my son's new to him '89 ski w351; I have a houseboat on a lake on the KY/TN border and that is where any mechanical issues were fixed: Took boat out for the first trip to the lake in early June; tuned up boat replacing points and condenser; plugs in good shape; boat started and ran well. Two weeks later, the carburetor seals started leaking profusely so it had to be rebuilt. Our mechanic (who is very good) sent the carburetor to a racing buddy of his who specializes in carburetors. I am not sure what specifically our mechanic did when he reinstalled the carburetor on the engine but boat started and ran well when we got it back from him for 4th of July weekend. In mid July, starter died so had to replace it; boat started and ran well again with this fix. Last weekend in July; boat started and ran well again with no issues. My son brought the boat back home to Ohio so he could use it on some local lakes Aug-Sept. 2-3 weeks later Mid August (air temp still high 70s - low 80s); 1st time he noticed having the problem starting the boat; once it fired up boat ran well with no further starting issues that day. On two subsequent outings later (1-2 weeks apart and still very moderate temperatures), he encountered the same starting issue but again once started ran well all day. His season was finished after Labor Day; boat stored in garage for about 6 weeks About two weeks ago, I was helping him do his 1st winterization with his boat. The boat took 10 minutes or so to fire up even longer than what he encountered in his last few outings; Temperature was in the low 60s. From some of the previous posts, he probably needs to make sure that he pumps the throttle more before engaging the starter. Any other thoughts? Really appreciate the feedback! |
Posted By: SNobsessed
Date Posted: November-09-2017 at 10:30am
|
You might want to take off flame arrestor & observe that it is actually squirting gas during the pre-start pumps. Put the FA back on before starting of course. Maybe the carb bowl leaks down during rest, who knows. ------------- “Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.” Ben Franklin |