Welcome to Carver Yachts Owners Forum

We are a boating forum for owners of Carver Yachts to enthusiastically discuss all aspects of Carver Boat ownership. Whether you are looking for your first Carver or currently own one, you are sure to feel at home on CarverYachtOwners.com

You are currently viewing our board as a guest which gives you limited access to view most discussions, articles and access our other FREE features. By joining our free community you will have access to searching the forum topics, post topics, communicate privately with other members (PM), respond to polls, upload your own photos and access many other special features. Registration is fast, simple and absolutely free so please, join our community today!

Port Engine won’t start

GAS engine, transmission and generator repair and maintenance discussion forum.
User avatar

Topic author United States of America
Thelma Jean I
Scurvy Dog
Scurvy Dog
Posts: 17
Joined: May 3rd, 2022, 1:51 am
Vessel Info: '95' Carver Santego 380
Location: Chicago
Has thanked: 21 times

Port Engine won’t start

Postby Thelma Jean I » July 6th, 2023, 9:00 pm

Hello everyone! I got a 95 380 Santego with 454XLi engines. It’s cranks but won’t turn over.. any troubleshooting advice?
Thanks!!!

User avatar

United States of America
Hoplite808
Scurvy Dog
Scurvy Dog
Posts: 33
Joined: September 26th, 2022, 8:44 pm
Vessel Info: 1988 Carver 3227 Convertible
Location: Honolulu
Has thanked: 1 time
Been thanked: 8 times

Re: Port Engine won’t start

Postby Hoplite808 » July 6th, 2023, 9:34 pm

What do you mean by it cranks but wont turn over? Is the starter motor running but the crank isn't being turned? If so its either a flat spot on the flywheel or a bad starter motor. If the crank is turning and its not starting there are only two possible reasons for an engine not to start. It's either not getting fuel or its not getting fire. You'll have to test for spark at the spark plugs and if there is none then trace the ignition system back till you find the fault. If you have spark then try putting a shot of starting fluid down the intake. If it starts then dies the engine isn't getting fuel. You'll have to trace the fuel system back to find the fault.

Canada
Viper
CYO Supporter
CYO Supporter
Posts: 6209
Joined: July 10th, 2015, 9:58 pm
Vessel Info: 1989 Carver 3807 Aft Cabin
Location: Ontario, Canada
Has thanked: 468 times
Been thanked: 1765 times

Re: Port Engine won’t start

Postby Viper » July 6th, 2023, 10:12 pm

I'm assuming she's cranking/turning over but won't run? If that's the case, as mentioned, go back to basics and make sure you're getting spark and fuel. Last time ignition tune-ups were done? Does she have spin-on fuel filters and are they full of fuel? Does it crank over really easy or is she labouring?
User avatar

United States of America
km1125
Admiral
Admiral
Posts: 3624
Joined: February 28th, 2017, 6:04 pm
Has thanked: 78 times
Been thanked: 1093 times

Re: Port Engine won’t start

Postby km1125 » July 7th, 2023, 7:44 am

Does this affect both engines or just one of them?
User avatar

Topic author United States of America
Thelma Jean I
Scurvy Dog
Scurvy Dog
Posts: 17
Joined: May 3rd, 2022, 1:51 am
Vessel Info: '95' Carver Santego 380
Location: Chicago
Has thanked: 21 times

Re: Port Engine won’t start

Postby Thelma Jean I » July 9th, 2023, 11:35 pm

Viper wrote:Source of the post I'm assuming she's cranking/turning over but won't run? If that's the case, as mentioned, go back to basics and make sure you're getting spark and fuel. Last time ignition tune-ups were done? Does she have spin-on fuel filters and are they full of fuel? Does it crank over really easy or is she labouring?


Yes it wont run.. battery power is there, fuel is working properly (New fuel filters for both sides). Once I have time later in the week, my brother and I will check on the spark plugs an I will certainly give an update. Thanks
User avatar

Topic author United States of America
Thelma Jean I
Scurvy Dog
Scurvy Dog
Posts: 17
Joined: May 3rd, 2022, 1:51 am
Vessel Info: '95' Carver Santego 380
Location: Chicago
Has thanked: 21 times

Re: Port Engine won’t start

Postby Thelma Jean I » July 9th, 2023, 11:35 pm

km1125 wrote:Source of the post Does this affect both engines or just one of them?


Just the port side.. checking spark plugs later in week.
User avatar

Topic author United States of America
Thelma Jean I
Scurvy Dog
Scurvy Dog
Posts: 17
Joined: May 3rd, 2022, 1:51 am
Vessel Info: '95' Carver Santego 380
Location: Chicago
Has thanked: 21 times

Re: Port Engine won’t start

Postby Thelma Jean I » July 11th, 2023, 5:21 pm

UPDATE!!! All new spark plugs installed. Still not turning over to stay running. Any more suggestions?
User avatar

United States of America
km1125
Admiral
Admiral
Posts: 3624
Joined: February 28th, 2017, 6:04 pm
Has thanked: 78 times
Been thanked: 1093 times

Re: Port Engine won’t start

Postby km1125 » July 11th, 2023, 5:32 pm

Thelma Jean I wrote:Source of the post
Viper wrote:Source of the post I'm assuming she's cranking/turning over but won't run? If that's the case, as mentioned, go back to basics and make sure you're getting spark and fuel. Last time ignition tune-ups were done? Does she have spin-on fuel filters and are they full of fuel? Does it crank over really easy or is she labouring?


Yes it wont run.. battery power is there, fuel is working properly (New fuel filters for both sides). Once I have time later in the week, my brother and I will check on the spark plugs an I will certainly give an update. Thanks

How do you know "fuel is working properly"... have you checked the fuel rail pressure before or while trying to start?

Were the filters pre-filled when you replaced them? How long ago were they replaced, and has the engine run fine since then until now?
User avatar

Topic author United States of America
Thelma Jean I
Scurvy Dog
Scurvy Dog
Posts: 17
Joined: May 3rd, 2022, 1:51 am
Vessel Info: '95' Carver Santego 380
Location: Chicago
Has thanked: 21 times

Re: Port Engine won’t start

Postby Thelma Jean I » July 25th, 2023, 10:42 am

Update: Fuel pressure is proper, fuel filters filled and replaced in March. Engines were running like champs for 2 months afterwards completely fine.

Spark plugs changed, ignition coil and module replaced. Engine still will not start. I've gotten the suggestion that a scan tool may be needed now.
User avatar

United States of America
km1125
Admiral
Admiral
Posts: 3624
Joined: February 28th, 2017, 6:04 pm
Has thanked: 78 times
Been thanked: 1093 times

Re: Port Engine won’t start

Postby km1125 » July 25th, 2023, 11:49 am

If it's cranking over and not starting, then you're back to basics. Compression, spark, fuel. You can do a lot of that checking without scanning the ending ECU. And a LOT of problems that would prevent the engine from running will not show up in an ECU of that vintage.

Did you check fuses and breakers? If there's fuel pressure in the rails, are the injectors firing? Do the plugs get wet from gas? Have you checked that any of the plugs are actually firing with a good, hot spark?

Return to “Gas Engines/Transmissions”



Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 11 guests