Starting problems (86 Prostar)

[blasterman88]

Hey guys, im new here, and a new boat owner. I bought a pristine 86 Prostar 190, except it is a hard starter. It had old fuel in it, i syphoned about all of it out and put in fresh fuel. The battery is 2 years old, and i beleive it is 625 cold cranking amps. To me it seems that it turns the motor over really slow? Do i need a battery with more cranking amps? A friend of mine is suggesting a pertronix ignition, and says the will ease the starting getting rid of the points and all.

Any suggestions would be great. We got the boat to the lake today and i killed the battery trying to fire it. What is the best practice to fire it when the engine is cold? How many pumps on the throttle etc? Thanks in advance for all your help!

Dan

PS... I met a nice gentlemen at the lake today (Camp Far West in Lincoln CA) named Dan. If you are reading this thanks for all the help getting my boat on the trailer!!

[dtc]

Hey Dan ... no worries at all & thanks for the help getting my barge back on the trailer! I'm thankful that after 8 years of frequent boating, today was the first problem I've had. I was glad to help out a fellow boater and now it looks like a fellow TT'er! Not sure where you are, but I'm more than willing to help you out getting your ski tug running like a top. Shoot me a PM and I'll connect with you for some contact info. Although it was disappointing for both of our crews today, I always try to remind my family and crew, a day where nobody gets hurt and no boats get damaged is better than the alternative!

Hope some of the more knowledgeable TT'ers come along soon and offer you tons of help.

BTW, that winch I have is a bit more pricey, but imho the Fulton F2 winch is worth the safety for the family and friends who usually want to "help" with the launch/recovery process.

ttys,
Dan

[mikeg205]

Always good to read about people helping each other on the water...nice job DTC... and +1 on the comment about no injuries and no damage... I say the same thing every time I go out.

Blaster...what brand and model of battery? even tho' its 2 years old it may have not be taking a good charge if was sitting around long with a low charge. Fully charged it should be 12.5 to 12.7 volts.

Lot's of posts here in changing to electronic ignition. Just read another thread on the same issue. I don't miss those pesky points and how they wear...making starting rough...

Old gas... I also recommend some fresh fuel and add some sea foam. Old gas could also mean dirty carb.

You can get a new exide power sports 650 amp for around 60 bucks. Check plugs, plug wires, cap and rotor.

Lot's of folks here with the 351w carb'd engine you have. DO some searches so you can identify you carb...

post some pictures... we love seeing everyone's boat...

[Lumbergh]

[thatsmrmastercraft]

There are a few possibilities for slow cranking. All too often, there is more than one problem.

Bad battery connections
Weak battery
Weak alternator not charging battery sufficiently
Worn out starter
Timing set too far advanced

Start first with removing, cleaning and replacing ALL connections to include both positive and negative battery terminals, block ground, solenoid connections and connection at the starter.

Checking battery voltage with engine off (12.5 volts), and with the engine running (13.5+ volts) will give you further direction.

Removing the battery and starter for testing is a simple way to verify their condition.

[blasterman88]

[blasterman88]

[blasterman88]

Originally Posted by thatsmrmastercraft

Checking battery voltage with engine off (12.5 volts), and with the engine running (13.5+ volts) will give you further direction.

Removing the battery and starter for testing is a simple way to verify their condition.

So I tested the battery, im getting 13V when the engine isnt running. My battery tester says the battery is good and putting out 502 CCA. That just doesnt seem like alot to me for a boat, but you guys are the experts?

[Lumbergh]

Nice boat. Love the colors...

[thatsmrmastercraft]

Originally Posted by blasterman88

So I tested the battery, im getting 13V when the engine isnt running. My battery tester says the battery is good and putting out 502 CCA. That just doesnt seem like alot to me for a boat, but you guys are the experts?

Not necessarily the largest battery you could have, but certainly enough to start properly. Have you gone through all the connections?