Expert: Everett Peacock - 4/26/2011

Question
The last time out on the lake last year was shot when the engine would not start.  It turns over fine, but acts like its not getting any fuel. This is a 1994 Chaparral 2130 Sport, with a 7.4L Merc (carbureted).  No problems the previous time out. I doubt its a water-in-the-fuel issue. I use marine Sta-bil in the right proportion ever time I fill the tank. Also, I change the water-separating fuel filter every second or third tankful. Yeah, I know that's overkill, but I'm not taking any chances.

Normally, as I first crank it, I put the throttle all the way down, then come back to about 1/4 throttle and it cranks within about 10-15 seconds. This time, nothing. I even put the throttle all the way down (blower on, hatch open), which tends to flood it (I know that from experience), but I don't smell any gas at all. So, I'm guessing its the fuel pump.

Now, the really strange thing is a beeping noise. It almost sounds like the reverse beeper on a garbage truck, or delivery truck that beeps when they are in reverse. As the motor is cranking and the hatch open, I can hear that beep about once per second. Never heard that before in the 16 years I've had this boat, and I can't tell where its coming from. Hard to describe the beep. Not really a high-pitched "beep... beep... beep", but a lower frequency like "baap... baap... baap...).

Due to work and family issues, I didn't get a chance to diagnose the issue and just did the winterization and put her up for the season.  Now the lake is full, the weather is getting better every day, and its time to do my spring preps.

Any ideas where that beep is coming from? Could this be anything else besides the fuel pump?

Thanks

Answer
the beeps are an alarm buzzer...either overheating, low drive oil, or no oil pressure....or short in the wiring..
after cranking it crack the fuel line at the carb and see if you have any fuel there...

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