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Was out yesterday for a little cruise. All kind of problems. First, lots of smoke. Probably not much I can do with 1989 engines (2 stroke etc.). Second, starboard engine stalled several times, and after sitting at dock after cruise wouldn't restart. Turned over but wouldn't start. Limped home on port engine. Maybe flooded or not getting fuel. Third, Looks like starboard engine not getting enough water through engine. Fourth, primer bulb wouldn't hold firm. Finally warning horn went off several times (rapid beeps) but temps were O.K. and as I said plenty of smoke so I know they are getting oil. Background. Had new lowers, plugs, water pumps, primer bulbs and hoses installed last month. Also had the engines power tuned (decarbed) and timing adjusted. 200 H.P counter rotating 1989 Mariners. I know its alot but any help would be appreciated.
Ringleader if you read this thanks for the earlier post regarding the warning horn. I opened the remote oil tank and cleaned the screen. It seemed to help. But alas, they sounded again yesterday.
I'm chomping at the bit here, but I've gotta go meet my wife for lunch. Get a can out, I'm going to fill it with worms when I get back for you. Nah, sounds like simple stuff...
If the symptums were accompanied by the smell of fuel or gas dripping from Carbs, I'll bet you have debris preventing one or more of your carburator bowl needle and seat assemblioes from functioning correctly. This can happen following cleaning carbs.
I would also check for water or other contaminates present in the fuel.
I don't claim to be a mechanic but I have twin 87 175's Mariners. I have had a few minor starting problems in the last couple of years. Without the other stuff you got going on I'd say if it didn't start you have a bad stator. I have had to replace the stator's on each engine one last year and one this year.
I also had the switch that prevents the engine from starting when the motor is tilted up, go bad last year while offshore 30 miles. It was stalling every once in a while then after I shut it down after the 30 mile run the motor would not start. Had to come in on one. If I only knew to bypass that switch I would of been ok.
I say you need to do the basics and see if your getting a spark and if you are check your getting your fuel/oil supply. I have had the buzzer go off at times but found it was a loose wire behind the helm. Good Luck
I would first check to see that your mechanic put the fuel bulbs on so they are facing the correct direction. There should be an arrow on them indicating flow direction. Make sure that arrow points towards the engine. If the bulb is pointing in the proper direction and there are no fuel leaks, go get two fuel pump rebuild kits (one for each engine). The run about $15 a pop and take about 15 mintues to do. The pump contains a rubber diaphram that WILL wear out and develop holes over time. It's a good/cheap preventative maintenance thing anyway.
Did the mechanic install new thermostats? On those engines, water doesn't come out of the pisser until the motor heats up. If the T-stats don't open, no or very little telltale.
Make sure the cap to your remote oil tank and engine mounted tank are tight. If they aren't the system won't pressurize, the engine tank will get low and the buzzer will sound. Fill the top tank manually the first time to help it get going.
Get used to the smoke. My '85 Merc. 150 puffed quite a bit but she always ran strong.
Thanks Guys. I forgot to mention that the mechanic replaced one of the stators after testing them and also did the fuel pump rebuild (with kit). All this work was done within the last 2 months. By the way if you all notice that my user name is Silverfish instead of Weakfish in this post that is beacuse I could not log on at work for some reason. Forced me to re-register.
[This message was edited by SILVERFISH on 08-13-03 at 04:32 PM.]
Brian, the tell on those motors should work whether the thermostats are open or not. The pressure will go up when the thermos open but you should have water emitting once the powerhead is pressurized.
Mark
Silverfish, Webster's definition - "a primitive, wingless insect with silvery scales, long feelers and a bristly tail, it thrives in dampness and darkness"...
What say we change that handle again..
By the way, I had a great time on the cruise, even with the cranky power. Nice Robalo, good condition for a 15 yr old (let's pump out the head for next time, you had some delicate constitutions on board).
I think an earlier post has it nailed, time to slap on two new 200's, yammie or honda 4's or yammie hpdi's.
I'll help you apply the right spin on your pitch to the wife, 'cause parting with 30k is never an easy sell to the little woman.
Have no fear Silverfish is long gone. Weakfish is back. Maybe a third mortgage will cover the new yammies or hondas. 4's absolutely. But a year or two on these old boys with the help from the guys on this forum should suffice. Did you notice how much the boat listed with certain passengers walking back and forth across the deck?
I know the passengers of whom you speak. Unlike your Robalo, those passengers were built for comfort not for speed.
How did you find your boat? I've decided to hold off on the '03 Scout Abaco 242 purchase (close to 70k out the door with trailer, options, etc. before tradein)and instead explore boat shows and the used boat market for a cuddy/express/cruiser in the 24-27' range.
Looking for something to sleep on in a pinch with the wife and two little ones but built to fish. The express style seems to have more cabin room than walkarounds (no walking channel).
The trick is to find a good used boat <10 years old with well-cared for, preferably newer power with service history (want to keep surprises to a minimum).
May still go new if I don't find the right used deal. Let me know your thoughts. thks
1989 MARINERS 
Maybe a third mortgage will cover the new yammies or hondas. 4's absolutely. But a year or two on these old boys with the help from the guys on this forum should suffice. Did you notice how much the boat listed with certain passengers walking back and forth across the deck? 
