[rexmobile]

Been having a hard start situation on port engine. 2000 3100 with 7.4 MPI's. Batteries were load tested fine. Starboard motor starts up fine.

Port motor alternator belt loose and cracking. Going to replace/tighten. But wondering if this would cause a hard to start situation, on a fully charged battery? Thanks

[jclark003]

If your batteries are up and charged then the alternator / belt shouldn't cause a slow starter. Suggest you check all cables and connections from starter, back through disconnect switch and batteries, both ground and positive. If that checks out then move on to starter and have it tested.

Good luck

[Uhehner]

What do you mean by hard start? Slow cranking speed or engine does not fire?
If it's a slow cranking speed I agree with the previous post.
If the engine does not fire then look at fuel filters, fuel pump or fuel pressure regulator.
Capt. George

[rexmobile]

What do you mean by hard start? Slow cranking speed or engine does not fire?
If it's a slow cranking speed I agree with the previous post.
If the engine does not fire then look at fuel filters, fuel pump or fuel pressure regulator.
Capt. George

Engine doesn't fire. Takes a few cranking attempts. Fuel filters changed. Will check pump and regulator. Thanks

[Uhehner]

A common failure is the relay that turns on the fuel pump. When you turn on the key, before cranking the engine, you should hear the fuel pump run for a second or so. Check this on the other engine to see what the sound is. It's a cheap spare, I always carry one.
Capt. George

[Salt shaker]

Hi all, sorry to jump on but i'm having similar issue.  '94 454 xl's on a 31 open.  I can't start the motors.  They've been running fine. Wondering if now I have a fuel vent issue. both motors were tuned up in the spring.  I have swapped the fuel filter on the port with gas in it, and it fired right up but did not keep running.  And I have tried all combinations of tank crossovers. I hear the fuel pump run on the port.  Haven't played with stbd yet as i'm pretty sure its the same issue.

The boat was painted over the winter and they let the overboards plugged.  The vents were taped, so I'm wondering if there's some residue blocking them.  Whats strange is I have run the boat about 100 miles this summer with no issues, and filled it once.

thx

[Uhehner]

Hi all, sorry to jump on but i'm having similar issue.  '94 454 xl's on a 31 open.  I can't start the motors.  They've been running fine. Wondering if now I have a fuel vent issue. both motors were tuned up in the spring.  I have swapped the fuel filter on the port with gas in it, and it fired right up but did not keep running.  And I have tried all combinations of tank crossovers. I hear the fuel pump run on the port.  Haven't played with stbd yet as i'm pretty sure its the same issue.

The boat was painted over the winter and they let the overboards plugged.  The vents were taped, so I'm wondering if there's some residue blocking them.  Whats strange is I have run the boat about 100 miles this summer with no issues, and filled it once.

thx

If you suspect a plugged fuel tank vent just loosen the fuel fill caps and that will vent the tank. Don't forget to re-tighten them before it rains or you do a wash down.
Capt. George

[Salt shaker]

Thanks Capt George, I hope to try this later today. It is raining here but I think if i just crack them it will be ok. also supposed to stop raining this afternoon. Do you think, I would have been able to run so far is they were clogged? I started full, then filled again after I got home from the first trip. Would a vent affect a full tank also?

thx

[Salt shaker]

Fyi, looks to have been an issue with my fuel pump pressure switches. Have replaced both now. STBD seemed to fix the issue with some wire chasing. Port I believe was on its way out...so did both.

thx

[rexmobile]

Changed out my fuel pump as well. Starting problem seems to be resolved.