A4 starting issue

[scottfree]

Well since the last post there have been many solution tries and finally have it I believe. Actually it seems that there was more than one problem.
The engine would start at the slip but unable to restart while out sailing. One June 6 I was out with my son, all was well until we came in. Engine would not start. Managed to sail to slip. Next day upon checking I was curious to know if fuel pump was functioning. I wondered about oil pressure so I checked oil level and found the crankcase full of water. NOT GOOD.
Got it changed(twice). Checked cylinder pressure and manifold and all seemed OK. Deduced that the old exhaust system with the "teapot" where water mixed with exhaust may be bad. I removed it and sure enough water ran out the exhaust line which indicated there may be holes on the "teapot". Took it to amuffler shop to open it up and sure enough the pipe inside was full of holes which would allow water to drain back to manifold on shutdown. The teapot is not resolved as a "fix" did not work so I built a new system with pipe. Now no water entry has been observed. Subsequently the engine would not stay running. Took carburetor off to find a mess of black gunk in it. I speculate it was from old fuel line that was breaking down as carb was new last summer. Line has been replaced. Put carb back and ran. Engine still cut off after periods of running. This week I by-passed the oil pressure switch and it seems to have solved the problem with the stalling. Aaparently when the engine got hot the switch opened and would not alllow the pump to run.

So I had two issues The first was a recurring and worsening problem with water coming back to the engine and getting into the cylinders.They don't like to run like that!
Secondly, the oil pressure swithch needs to be replaced. It starts great and runs well now. The test comes later today to see if it starts after sailing. we are off to see the Blue Angels perform over Pensacola Beach. Hope wew make it back!

[SEMIJim]

Originally Posted by scottfree

Subsequently the engine would not stay running. Took carburetor off to find a mess of black gunk in it. I speculate it was from old fuel line that was breaking down as carb was new last summer.

Could be. Metal or fiberglass fuel tank? There have been problems with E10 gasoline in older fiberglass tanks. In fact: E10 has created problems with fittings, seals, etc., as well. Then there's phase separation and the other Evils Of E10. Suggest you consider adding Sta-Bil marine formulation or one of the other fuel treatments designed to mitigate E10's deleterious effects on marine fuel systems.

Originally Posted by scottfree

The test comes later today to see if it starts after sailing. we are off to see the Blue Angels perform over Pensacola Beach. Hope wew make it back!

We'll keep our fingers crossed

Jim

[hellosailor]

Jim, aside from the finer problems of E10, if Scott's old fuel lines were "gasoline" resistant, there's every chance that continued exposure to the ethanol in E10 would have literally rotted the 'rubber' away and allowed it to gunk up the carb. Alcohol does a real number on all sorts of "rubber" parts and new fuel lines should be rated for resistance to that as well. Of course, if a PO simply picked up two feet of rubber hose at Home Depot...Haven't we all heard THAT song before? (G)

[scottfree]

Great news. Sailed the afternoon 10-12 knots all afternoon. Just beautiful. Came back to channel markers to marina and she srted first hit and ran smooth as silk. Guess that the bypass operation was a success.Now for a new oil pressure swith. IT IS SOOOOO GOOD TO FIND THE SOLUTION. THIS HAS PLAGUED ME FOR 2 YEARS.
Gas tank is new stainless. The old tank was installed in 1985 so i suspect fuel line is same age. It was black rubber with fabric cover. It was very stiff. Ofter removing I found that it was difficult to blow through. The piece was about 10 feet long. I feel that it was breaking down and the gunk in the carb when cleaned out looked like rubber.

By the way, the Blue Angels up close and personal really send a chill up your back. It is great to be an American!

Happy Sailing.