Help needed, engine won't start.

[LS2000nKY]

Ok, so yesterday I took the boat out and everything was running great then after about 30 minutes running around 30mph then the port engine suddenly stopped. It cranks over, but won't start. Fuses are good, cylinder compression for the three are around 115psi, I reversed ignition switches with no luck there, I took out and reversed the two throttle connectors, no luck there. I double checked the battery everything was snug. I decided to put about a tablespoon of fuel in each carb throat and it only cranked, not starting. My next guess is the starter solenoid, but if that were bad would the engine even crank over? I was also thinking maybe the spark plug wires are bad? Any advice is much appreciated.

 

[Beachbummer]

You tried fuel, and it was not fuel. Spark is next to check. Perhaps your coil or ignition system has issues? (Starter solenoid engages your starter only, and that works, so that is most likely not your problem.)

 

[LS2000nKY]

Thanks, it's not the fuel. On an LS2000 is the coil / ignition system in that black 'brain box' on the wall in back of the engine? Do you think it could be the starter solenoid?

 

[Scottintexas]

I agree, check for spark,

if your starter solenoid isn't working you should hear a definite difference, just the high speed whine of it spinning it place instead of kicking out and cranking the engine over,

Have you looked at your safety lanyard ? it's one switch on top but our newer boats have a connection underneath for each engine that kills the spark,


.

 

[LS2000nKY]

Hi, yes I checked the safety lanyard and I switched the connectors, it didn't help.

 

[the MfM]

Have you checked for spark? You should check for spark.

 

[LS2000nKY]

How do you do that? I'll give it a whirl when I understand the steps in doing it.

 

[the MfM]

How do you do that? I'll give it a whirl when I understand the steps in doing it.

Easiest and safe way is with an in-line spark tester

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...

Check the fuse that’s hidden in the box behind the engine. I don’t remember if it will still crank or just kill the spark if it’s blown. That little screw knob cover comes off and there is inline fuse stuffed in there.

 

[LS2000nKY]

Thank you! I'll head to AutoZone and purchase a spark tester. Also I will check the fuse that you pointed out in the picture, thanks. I will get back with you with the outcome in the next hour or so. If there is a spark where would you suggest to go to next? If there is not a spark then what would you suggest?

 

[the MfM]

If there is spark, compression and fuel it should start. You may have flooded it by putting fuel down the carbs. New plugs wouldn’t hurt in that case.

If no spark...time to check wiring connections. The lanyard switch and maybe the key swtich would be where I would look first. Assuming that fuse is OK.

 

[LS2000nKY]

Will do! I'll report my findings shortly.

 

[Beachbummer]

If you don't want to get a spark tester just leave the plug attached to the cable , and the outside of the plug removed from it's hole, but touching the engine sitting on top of it, then crank and watch for spark. Just don't set anything on fire, as the air from the cylinders is laced with fuel.

 

[LS2000nKY]

Ok. Just bought a spark tester, no spark whatsoever.

 

[Beachbummer]

I'm not familiar with this engine. What does the coil look like ? the next step is to test the signal to the coil. If that test OK you just need a new coil. If not the issue is further down the circuit. On an entirely different boat, when the coil was bad, I put a small 12v LED I had on hand connected to the small signal wires/little wires that go to the coil. If the LED comes on intermittently as you crank and no spark comes out, it's the coil.

 

[LS2000nKY]

Here's a used coil off eBay, that's how it looks. There are three per engine. I'm not certain how to do what you're suggesting? Thanks

 

[Beachbummer]

mmm, three per engine and neither has spark... I don't think the coils themselves will be the issue. What I did is put a 12V light on the little wires that feed the coil and cranked the engine to watch the "signal" power, power the light and show the coil was getting the right signal.

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[LS2000nKY]

Is it one of the two wires coming out of the coil you would use to put a 12v light on?

 

[Beachbummer]

I connected the 12v light to BOTH cables, and left whatever is supplying power there already in place, so everything is still hooked up, but the LED also lights up to show me when the coil was energized.

 

[LS2000nKY]

After reading your reply I went and bought a different, better spark tester and tossed out the cheap garbage one I bought. All three now DO HAVE a spark.

 

[LS2000nKY]

Compression tested approx 115psi per cylinder