Hot down South

[EdSherman]

Here we go...
On a 65 degree day yesterday we visited our recently purchased Pearson 30 on freshwater Hartwell Lake between SC and GA. Our Atomic 4 is model 5101 and ss 203358. Tried to start her using blower first then she fired and black soot-like residue came out of exhaust into the lake. Yuk! Now she won't start. Battery turns her over but she won't fire. Can't find the carb, the oil stick and unsure about the fuel filter. Any ideas?
Thanks.

[gfatula]

Make sure you don't fill the water lift and back water into the engine while you are cranking her. Close the raw water intake until you get it running.

[msauntry]

dipstick is towards the rear on the stbd side. You'll see the distributor and water pump nearby. Double check that your water intake valve is CLOSED until you get it running, then once it starts open it up.

Carb is on port side of engine towards the front. There is a small bolt under the fuel bowl on the carb that you can drain old gas out. Catch it and see what condition its in. You might just have a clogged carb which is easy to fix. Make sure any fuel valves are open so that you are indeed getting gas through the carb. If you see a fuel/water seperator (looks like an oil filter) take that off and see what condition its in. If you see rust and junk floating in the fuel, just replace this with a new one.

Start there and see what happens. Search this board and the Moyer home page for pics of the engine to familiarize yourself with what is what. You'll get it running...

[lat 64]

hi

There is nothing like being there. I would first ask the previous owner/or boat broker/salesman to give you a tour of the engine and how to start it. If they can't start it then at least you know what your looking at. or a boat surveyor or Marine(stress Marine) mechanic, can give you a primer. For money I'm sure, but any dollar spent on eduction pays dividends.
But this site is great and lots of fun and has all the info you need. I've only been on here since Aug.

My first geuss..stuck choke maybe?

Welcome,
Russ

[s/v Dearbhail]

gfatula makes a good point about the sea water inlet. Keep it shut until the engine starts. Also, make sure you check the oil level. Once she is up and running you don't need a new problem. If you are on the round, fly wheel end of the engine the dipstick should be sticking up just to the left of the coil.

You need fuel, air and a good spark for the engine to run. lat 64 mentioned checking the choke to ensure it's operating. If the engine is not choked it won't start. From the fly wheel end, the choke is under the flame arrestor just behind the right side of the fly wheel. That covers the air.

You have power to turn the engine but is there spark coming from the coil? Searching the forum and tech tips you'll find detailed instructions for this.

That leaves fuel. Again, checking the faqs and tech tips can walk you through this. The carb and fuel pump [manual or electric?] are on the same side as the flame arrestor.

You mention blowing soot into the lake. To me that indicates the exhaust has some blockage. At best it will cause a loose of power, in worst cases it may lead to a shut down.

This forum and Don's book should have you up and running again in no time. Good luck.