Boat engine electrics

[littlespark]

Anybody got experience with boat engines?

I’m going to have a look at why the engine won’t start for a family member up at Edinburgh.
Just want to know what to look for

I’ve been told it turns over, but doesn’t start

Owner knows there’s a number of battery’s, but don’t know if 12/24 volt or the Ah size.

The batterys should charge up when the 230v is plugged into the hookup. (Would that be separate leisure batterys, and the engine start battery would charge from an alternator while the engine is running, like a car?)

If we can pinpoint what the fault is, ie battery, or charger…. Then we have a chance of fixing it.

 

[Rockingit]

How long is a piece of string?! So many different types, plus in/outboard..... However if it's turning to start it's unlikely to be electrical (in the battery sense). If it's diesel then I'd be checking ignitors and separators in the first instance, then onwards to seals and fuel pumps.

 

[KungFuTurkeyLeg]

If it's turning, you need to confirm fuel and air. Id have a look over the fuses first too before doing the below.

To check fuel, crack the nut at the injector, turn over briefly and see if fuel comes out. Do that for each injector. If no fuel, turn over until it comes out. If you're not getting anything at all, it's either fuel solenoid is stuck shut or not getting power, or the fip is gone. Depending on age, I'd guess it will be a cam driven fip rather than electrical. Fip is fuel injector pump.

To check air, take the air filter out and put you hand over the intake. Turn over and you should feel the suction. Don't have any loose items near the intake when turning over otherwise it will end up in there and that's trouble.

If it's trying to start but spluttering and not quite getting there, could be glow plugs.

After that you're in to testing the compression and more in-depth examination

Hope that gets you going