GT40 won't start after tune up

[lobuzz311]

Hi all, I managed to break something.

I have a 96 Sport Nautique, with the GT40.
I wanted to refresh it for this summer, and do all the tune up items I could think of:
Oil + filter
Impeller
Plugs
Plug wires
Distributor cap + rotor (used this image for firing order: http://www.gtsparkplugs.com/images/f...ring-order.jpg)
Drive belts
Fuel cell filter
Trans fluid flush
Spark arrestor cleaning
And brake flush / new bearings, races & seals on trailer

And now... I fixed it until it was broke. The boat won't start. I primed the fuel cell about 5 times before trying to fire it up. It turns over, but never catches at all. Doesn't sputter or anything.

I am going to pick up a spark plug tester tonight and check all the plugs for spark.
Any other ideas? I'm handy enough with a wrench, but troubleshooting engine issues is definitely not my strong suit.

Thanks!

[SilentSeven]

When you replaced the wires, did you replace 1 at a time or remove all the old ones and then install the new ones? Always do the former, never the latter.

Did you loosen the distributor timing lock nut and rotate the distributor at all?

Recheck that the rotor and cap are correctly installed. Make sure the coil wire is tight.

Use the PCM manual to set your plug wires. If #1 is not obvious, follow the instructions to set the engine at TDC. Don't use a general V8 diagram for the plug wires. You can download a PCM GT40 manual in the download section of this website.

Check for basic spark by removing one plug hold it against the block with some insulated pliers and crank the engine. Advise if you get spark.

For the engine to run you need spark, fuel and correct timing. My guess is that either your spark or timing are messed up.

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[lobuzz311]

Thanks for the response. Please see below.

When you replaced the wires, did you replace 1 at a time or remove all the old ones and then install the new ones? Always do the former, never the latter. I replaced all of them at once. It retrospect, I should have done it one at a time, but it seems like it would have been nearly impossible to manage when also trying to swap out the cap & rotor. I had the wires laid out in order, and numbered so it wasn't completely blind.

Did you loosen the distributor timing lock nut and rotate the distributor at all? No. Removed wires, cap & rotor, then immediately put the rotor & cap back and started reconnecting the wires according to the diagram.

Recheck that the rotor and cap are correctly installed. Make sure the coil wire is tight. Removed, checked and retightened everything. Unhooked and reset all wires, to ensure they were seated properly. Coil wire seated and snug on both ends.

Use the PCM manual to set your plug wires. If #1 is not obvious, follow the instructions to set the engine at TDC. Don't use a general V8 diagram for the plug wires. You can download a PCM GT40 manual in the download section of this website. I verified the firing order for the plug wires on the plaque on the side of the block. #1 on the cap is clearly labeled, as it was on the old one. I put the 1 in the same orientation as the old one came off.

Check for basic spark by removing one plug hold it against the block with some insulated pliers and crank the engine. Advise if you get spark. Used an inline tester, and there is spark.

For the engine to run you need spark, fuel and correct timing. My guess is that either your spark or timing are messed up.

I also verified that it isn't the safety lanyard. Disconnecting that, then reconnecting it causes the fuel cell to prime, so it seems like it's functioning properly.

Any other ideas?
Thank you!!

[lobuzz311]

Update for those that might see this in the future: it was the HPFP. One of the connections got knocked off when I was seating the o-ring in the FCC. It's always something stupid...

[SilentSeven]

Got it running? Congratulations!

[homer12]

Good catch! And follow up here. Always helpful!