1985 sn2001 won't start without starter spray 351 pcm

[bigeasynauti]

i am new to this forum but have learned alot from just listening in.am sure one of the gurus of planet nautique can help. i have a 1985 sn2001 with a 351w pcm.it will not start witout a spray of starter fluid.it then runs fine for as long as i want.if i shut it down i must respray it to get it to restart.starter turns fine but dosen't want to fire.i had the holley carb rebuilt locally by a reputable rebuilder,the problem remained the same.i replaced the fuel pump at skidim,the problem remained the same.i don't know where to go next.TIMING(what should it be),PLUGS?WIRES?.the distributer has solid semi circular piece(no points or condenser).maybe the COIL?HELP the water is warm and calm the boat is in the water I GOTTA SKI.HELP

[usmc23]

Sounds like you are on the right track.

Timeing could be an issue. Check all your plugs, wires, coil. If that doesn't help you may check your timeing.

[Bob's2001]

RE: Sounds like you are on the right track.

You have a fuel problem. See if the choke is closed before starting when cold. Stroke the thottle and you should see gas squirt into the carb with the flame arrestor off. If not your accelerator pump isn't pumping.

[DavidF]

RE: Sounds like you are on the right track.

...idle mixture set too lean. Note the current position of the idle mixture screws, then set at 1.5 turns out from seated and see if it improves.

[bigeasynauti]

richard of skidim amazing

thanks to all who made suggestions.both primaries pumping fuel when throttle moved.didn't know how to check plugs wires or coil.spoke to richard of skidim we spoke about the distributer and when i told him the previous owner had upgraded to presolite he suggested to check the ceranic relay on the back of the engine to see if wires were connected to opposite sides.they were. he said to connect all wires to same side like junction boxproblem appears solved.Davidf are idle screws small screws on side of carb?

[NautiqueJeff]

RE: richard of skidim amazing

As usual, DIM has given excellent advice. That resistor must be bypassed when converting to electronic ignition in older Nautiques.

All you have to do is follow the directions that come with it. If you can change points, you can convert to electronic. Just remember to bypass the resisitor. The easiest way to do that is to connect both wires to the same side of the resistor. It is very simple and well worth the money and time. Your boat will start more easily, especially when cold. You use your stock cap and rotor.

[DavidF]

RE: richard of skidim amazing

...careful. Certain Pertronix ignition modules need the ceramic resistor, but most require the resistor removed.

Yes, the mixture screws are the small screws on the side of the carb. But, leave them be since the ignition module is the problem...which makes sense since are getting a weak spark that is having trouble igniting the fuel on start up. Starting fluid is way more volitile, so it ignites easily with a weak spark.

[Jherb42]

I have an 85 2001 with electronic ing, and mine runs great. A friend of mine has one that is tough to start. Bypassing the resisitor siunds like somthing to try for him. How do you know if it should be byopassed or not. What would happen if we bypassed it and is was not supposed to be?

[89nautie]

I have an 89 2001 with the petronix electronic ignition, and I did not bypass the resistor. Boat runs and starts great.