Won't Start - 98 GT40 Ski Nautique

[Jimhunter]

Last Friday, the engine wouldn't catch. The starter is turning over just fine but it wouldn't catch even when I pushed in the center button on the throttle to give it more gas. I've checked the lanyard and the ignition button on the dash board - both seem to be fine. Is there a fuse other than the circuit breaker on the dash? I had a fuel pump ignition relay replaced July 08 and also a new fuel control cell filter so I don't think those would be a problem. I pushed down all the plugs on the distributor but need to check the coil wire.

One thing I did notice the last time I was out is that the volt meter usually registers at 13 volts. The previous time I was running the boat, the volt meter was registering 11 - 11.5 volts. Don't know if the problem is connected since the starter is turning over with no problem. Could this lower volt readings be leading to a different problem if it's not associated with the starting issue?

The last time I was out, the boat started up and ran GREAT all day. The later part of the day, the lake got very windy and bumpy. There was a fair amount of slamming as the boat went over some big wakes. Could that have jarred something loose that I haven't checked?

Help!! What am I missing?

[DanielC]

RE: Won

Check ignition:
http://planetnautique.com/index.php?...=ignition+test
Check fuel system:
http://planetnautique.com/index.php?...=fuel+pressure
Report back

[gunnin4six]

RE: Won

I have a '98 ski with the GT-40 also and have had this problem recently. You have hit on some of the quick corrections, but a couple more quick easy checks: Clean the battery terminals and inspect the clamps and cables(I have had to replace a clamp). If these electrical connections are not good, the relays won't work properly which wont run the fuel pump. Clean them good with a wire brush even if they look ok. There is also an in-line fuse at the battery, double check this for the same reason. I had to replace mine last year, when I opened it up it basically fell apart.

Good Luck!

[harddock]

RE: Won

I would think if a fues is broken you will get no electrical power. He has turning over, just not starting. Ignition or fuel would be suspect.

[gunnin4six]

RE: Won

If the inline is bad, the rest of the system still gets power and the engine turns over, it just affects the power to the control system.

[east tx skier]

I had this symptom the first time out with my 98. I had tightened up the key/ignition to the dash where it had come lose. In doing this, I had inadvertently pulled lose one of the wires to the back of the ignition at the dash. Went backwards in my mind to "last known working configuration" and figured out what I had done. Only took me about a day of thinking about it. Worth inspecting.

[harddock]

Re: RE: Won

If the inline is bad, the rest of the system still gets power and the engine turns over, it just affects the power to the control system.

I stand corrected.

[Jimhunter]

RE: Re: RE: Won

Thanks, guys for the tips. I'll check them out over the next few days (probably over the weekend) and get back to you.
Jim

[Jimhunter]

RE: Re: RE: Won

Hey DanielC,
My neighbor told me that I can test spark plug firing by removing the sparkplug, put the wire back on it, have the threaded metal part of the spark plug touching the metal on the engine and watch as I crank the engine. If it gives a consistent spark, then it's good. Is that OK or do I need to go buy the special tool you show in your photo>

For the fuel system test with the gauge, that seems over my head. Where do I get the gauge, where does it plug into, I need a computer test connection??, wow... Is there an easier way?

Jim

[DanielC]

RE: Re: RE: Won

The spark tester from Autizone is less than $5.00 I believe. It has an adjustable gap so you can tell if the spark is good and strong.

For the fuel pressure, you do need the gauge. Autozone should have them also. It will be more than $5.00.
Go back and look at my post again. It is about as clear as I can make it.

If you still do not feel comfortable doing the fuel pressure test, maybe you should let the dealer work on the boat.

[Jimhunter]

RE: Re: RE: Won

Thanks for the input, Daniel. I'll look carefully at your post again and see if I can "get it." It just feels like it's something simple and I'm waiting for an "aha" to pop into my head. Hope it happens soon.

[i_am_am]

I had a problem with my 99 san last summer. I hit a double up pretty hard in the wrong angle and took a beating. After that we sputtered to a stop. It turned into a no-start. Thankfully I could swim back to the pier and towed to in with a SeaDoo. No fuel pressure gauge, but could hit the schrader and get fuel under pressure out of it. Had spark...WTF? I just happen to check the schader on the FCC and got nothing. Pulled the hose from the low pressure pump to the FCC and commanded the pump on. The pump ran but pumped nothing. Sucked on the hose and the pumped primed and started pumping fine. Vince at ski-dim thinks it sucked some air during the double-up and lost prime. Should'nt do that. Replaced low pressure pump and it immediately primed. Maybe sounds like a fuel problem.

[Jimhunter]

Fuel system is on my list to check this weekend. Not sure I want to suck on the fuel hoses but hey, if it saves me a mechanic fee, I'm in!
Thanks,
Jim

[falcon_o]

I also have a 98 GT40 Nautique which quit last week while running @ 25 mph. After 5 minutes and multiple crankings it restarted and I returned to the launch without another failure. My voltmater had also been reading low - just below 12 volts when running. I took it to the marina where purchased and they determined the fuel pump relay had failed. They replaced the relay and also replaced the fuseable link from the battery with a 60 amp breaker. They said the voltmeter needed replacement and I will first remove and check with a power supply to confirm if I should replace it. As you have already replaced the fuel pump relay I would check the connections to it to determine if they were improperly tightened or if the new relay failed.

Good luck - Charlie

[skinautiquefreak]

Check this out, long read but may help.

http://www.planetnautique.com/index....ic&t=15622