Starboard Engine not starting

[newbote]

Hi - after a long day of watersports with the family I shut the motors down to get everyone back in the boat ('16 242). I started the port motor but the starboard motor wouldn't start. It sounded like it was getting spark but almost as though it was flooded. I started idling back to the marina and after I tried for the 3rd time (5 minute intervals inbtw) it started and ran fine back to the marina.

I had this happen every once in a while to my previous 4 stroke outboard - it wouldn't start after I ran it for awhile but my dealer thought it was getting vapor lock. Everytime if I waited about 5 minutes it would start.

Has anyone had this happen with the 1.8's? I am pondering if I should have the dealer check it out or not.

 

[veedubtek]

Both my skis (with 1.8s) did it last year around the 15 hour mark I believe. It was just the friggin spark plugs.

 

[newbote]

Did they re-start at all? I only have about 21 hours - as I just bought the boat new as a '16 leftover about a month ago. I would hate to have to spring for spark plugs after only a month!

 

[2nazt]

My ski did that at 11ish hours once also. I think maybe turn the vent fan on and cool the engine area down could also help it start. I thought it was from possible heat build up in the ski.

 

[veedubtek]

Yeah, just took 2 or 3 times. Never the first start of the day, was always after running and sitting for a few minutes. I honestly didn't think it was the plugs, I only changed them as the Bimini trip was coming up, and sure as shit, it never did it again afterwards. Not saying it is your problem, but sure sounds familiar. Taking it into the dealer, is likely only gonna sit there for a few weeks before they can get to it and then a "can't duplicate" probably.

 

[tdonoughue]

I have had this happen and I believe traced it to the deadman switch at the helm. There is one cord and top of the switch, but apparently two switches below that are independent. I think one of mine is dirty. Pull the cord and reinsert. Mine started right up after doing this (but that was after limping home on one engine once and spending many times cranking to get that one engine started).