Sudden shutdowns

[ukrsindicat]

I went out sailing the other day. I was motoring in and then it happened. All the sudden the engine has chocker up and shut down. It wouldn't start back up. Starter was rotating, but no startup.

Initially I thought that I am out of fuel. So I called the SEATOW and had them bring the fuel. They showed up 30 min later. I put 5 ga in and all the sudden it started back up.

In 15 min(I was out there) the situation repeated itself. No way it was out of fuel. So I anchored out and called SEATOW for towing to the slip.

In about 15 minutes, I tried to start back up and VOALA, it started back up.

I suspect that that is a problem with the fuel supply system. I have now problem with running my engine at the slip. I ran it for a long period of time. But when I am out there, on the waves, the problems arise... I think I might have some water in my carb...I am not sure but that would explain the random shutdowns as water would block the fuel flow.

What are your opinions? Is there a manual on the disassembly and cleanup of the carburetor?

Thank you, guys!
Yuriy

[hanleyclifford]

What you need is the Moyer Marine Service and Overhaul Manual available from the online catalogue on this forum.

[edwardc]

One possibility is the fuel pump, particularly if its an electronic one.

A simple test that will tell you is to disconnect the output of the pump, place the hose into a container, and run the pump. There should be a strong flow.

[tenders]

Impaired fuel pump - dirty carb - fouled fuel filter - failing coil - bad condenser?

[CalebD]

Another possible malady can be if your fuel tank has had E10 fuel stored in it for a number of years. The ethanol traps water in the fuel and becomes a kind of gunk or slime that would normally sink to the bottom of your tank. Stir up the tank and you will get some globs of this crap in your carb which can shut the engine down or at least make it operate erratically.
Get the Moyer manual for rebuilding the carb.
One thing you can do to check for crud in your fuel is to drain your carb. There is a main passage plug or bolt that is at the aft end of the carb near the fuel pump in this picture: http://www.moyermarine.com/360/r2z1.html
If you place a receptacle underneath this bolt you can catch the few ounces of fuel that leaks out when you remove this bolt/plug. If there is any liquid floating underneath the fuel on top then you know you have a 'clean fuel' problem.
I've got to drain my own tank this off season and clean it out because of this issue and I am not alone.

[Al Schober]

Sounds like a classic spark coil failure - quits when hot, runs when cold. My experience is that when the coil quits, the engine dies like it's been shot. With fuel problems, it seems to stumble and stutter before it stops.

Al

[Dennis Mominee]

I had the exact same problem this summer. I took the oil pressure switch out of the electric fuel pump circuit and the shutdown problem went away. I then replaced the oil pressure switch, put it back in the circuit, and the problem has not reoccured. Its an easy test.

[rheaton]

It could also be a corroded connection in your primary circut(PC). These can short after they heat up. Don has a nice sudden shut down document which describes this, and other causes.When this happens next time, try bypassing your PC by running a wire from your battery, to the positive terminal on your coil. If this works, you have identified the problem. PC'S often have have quick connects that corrode.