Cool restoration! But that's why i'm always terrified to use cheap amazon parts. They're fine to keep onboard as a spare, but for full on repairs, I always use OEM Mercruiser parts. It's also good to hear a 3.0 mercruiser idle correctly. I need to adjust the timing and carb on mine. Hope you get it running again soon!
You know, if it wasnt an old project boat, it wouldnt be an adventure. I'm on the 4th engine in my 1971 Land'N sea. Finally broke down and got a more modern fuel injected 454. Just posted a video of me installing it. Looking forward to seeing what went wrong with yours. lol
That’s awesome! There’s nothing like new fuel injection on the water, just turn the key and it starts whether it’s 110 degrees outside or 50 degrees. The old carbed engine just can’t quite pull that off.
I wouldn't be afraid to ask someone for a tow, especially on a restoration boat like that! Personally I'm always looking for a chance to help out if I can, I've been towed enough times, I'm happy to tow someone else.
I got into boats back in the mid-80s. There wasn't any old wreck I couldn't see the potential in, and I was willing to put in the work. Woodcraft, fiberglass, becoming a half-ass marine mechanic of necessity, and enjoying varying levels of success. From 15' to 23', I did it all. Built a couple from scratch using my designs, and others. Speedboats, and I'm talking 100+mph, and jonboats too. Enjoyed it, mostly, but then I got old, and it ceased to be fun! I just finished what will probably be my last boat, a 15' runabout with a 1971 seahorse. It'll do me just fine. Enjoy the journey, boys. The memories, and the mistakes, will last a lifetime
That is awesome! We are enjoying it over the years no matter what happens. Like you said will be good to have these memories one day. Glad you got another one built, it’s not an easy task that’s for sure!
@@mikecrawford7352 If I had of realised my new aftermarket fuel line wasn’t quite aligned with the ball valve release, I probably wouldn’t have abused the pull cord in anger at the thing defying my order to start!
Old boats are fun, if you like this kind of sh** 😂 I restored a 16‘ 1972 Winner Wildcat over the winter and we tried it out in Croatia. Big fun and we only broke down once (steering helm came loose on the z drive) but were able to limp back on our own. Now I have an issue that the engine dies at idle but runs fine at higher rpms, probably a vacuum problem - lets see… Keep on going and tell us about the jet boat!
I just looked up what a Winner Wildcat is. That’s a fun looking boat! I’ve been there with the boat not wanting to idle right, which makes coming back into the marina always fun. Thanks for the feedback!
I may have mentioned it in a comment in another video, but I carry a 6hp outboard in my ski locker just in case I need it to get back to the ramp. I’m like you, I don’t want to ruin someone’s day and have them tow me back.
That is such a good idea man! I have those two 4 HP outboards from the micro jetboat, so I could probably rig something up to mount one of them to the swim ladder when needed. Might only go 3 mph and take 2 hours to get home but better than the $350 tow bill I paid.
I feel ya!! The Mini konked out last Sunday on a drive, apparently the alternator had died and it ran until the battery was too dead to run. There probably should have been an idiot light to tell me, but there wasn't... $600 tow back to my house.
Just a couple more projects to finish before I can start working on my 82' Boston Whaler Revenge V-20 again. I want to clean her up and update her sooo bad. I've been working my ASS off for the last couple years and now I just want to chill on the bayou hahaha Gotta put in more work before that though 👍🏻👍🏻
I didnt read through all the comments so maybe you answered what was wrong, but as a 3L mercruiser owner and someone who has dealt with the pertronix and coils and such on these. Take a gander at the OHM rating of the coil and verify it is correct for your ignition system. IF you get it wrong the coil it can get hot, burn up the pertonix etc. and have issues very similar to what you were having. Another one to look for is the ignition/starter contactor on my boat it had a bypass and also a resistor circuit. While cranking it was in bypass and providing full 12v to the ignition, and while running it went through a resistor and reduced the voltage to the ignition. Took a bit to diagnose that my bypass was open and the boat wouldn't fire while cranking but would sometimes fire just as you let off the switch and would start.
You are right on with that. The coil was the 3 ohm version with the built in internal resistance meant for that module without a ballast resistor required. They are both 10+ years old and from another engine, and the vibration of that engine might have killed it. I see they have an epoxy filled coil for marine and harsh vibration use, so that’s what I was going to buy next. Glad I’m not the only one that’s dealt with this before!
I always wanted to put a ugh horn on my boat when I had one. About 10 years ago I sold a 1978 crestliner 15’ trihual I owned it for 2 years. 3 separate trips I had issues with it. I had battery issues, clogged fuel filters, and a fuel tank that wouldn’t prime.
Sounds about right. The fuel tank not priming is the same for me, if the fuel lines are empty sometimes have to get it running off starting fluid before it will draw fuel all the way through.
@@Motiv8Labs all 3 times I was able to self rescue without needing to row. There were a few boats around that we probably could have waved down for a tow. One time I was in the middle of the lake first and only time going to this lake. It was 14.5 sq miles 39’ max depth makes for warm water and tall grasses. Any way we had been driving around letting the kids drive in the middle we broke down. While trying to figure it out and just after getting the kids and dog back aboard. No wind to speak of no boats anywhere the water was like glass, we got hit by a single wave about 2 foot high broad side. It came back rom the other direction as we got it fired up. I swear we saw that same wave 3 or 4 times after that.
I traded for a tri hull in 1987 and totally restored it, however the Volvo Penta straight six with triple carbs needed no work. Last weekend on the Columbia River in Vancouver Washington after six hours of family fun my boat died and had to be towed….first time since restoration. A wire slipped its connection on the ignition condenser, 10 second fix
It’s crazy how a lot of times it’s some simple tiny cheapo part that takes the whole boat out. Jealous that you have a good navigable river like that one!
It’s perfect on the boat, since it’s been in covered storage most of the time. But the better test is on the micro jet boat it’s been outside in the sun uncovered since last year. It faded just a tiny bit but still looks great. I guess they put some half decent UV protectant chemicals in that cheapo flooring.
Man it sucks to be broke down anywhere, but especially the water, and Worse yet the Ocean. I am going old school too, because I am leery of the 4 strokes that you need a lap top and program to add fuel and oil. I also have a 70's something year Pisces TriHull 15' that I started a resto on but got a 69 Mako dream or nightmare that took over my spare time. Like 5 years now, but I did shatter a ankle so I call medical leave for 2 years. lol. Good luck. comment # 5 and 300 th view.
Old school is nice for troubleshooting and fixing, only a few wires and parts, so I do like that. There is something nice about the fuel injection that just starts right up every single time whether it’s hot or cold. They both have their pros I guess! Good luck with yours.
We scrapped a tri-hull. Best thing ever we ever did. Terrible in rough water. They were designed for those ding-dongs that try to stand up in a kayak and cast for fish. Because they identify PFDs as violating their rights and unmanly, often times they take a permanent nap .
I have an 84 sea sprite with the same engine. The previous owner had this same issue for 8 + years with my boat. I purchased it 4 years ago and it did the same thing to me after about 30 minutes it would die with no spark then it would fire up again after about 45 min of not running…..no spark. I had a spare parts boat with the same motor and I swapped the entire distributor (same petronix system) That was the issue and it’s been running strong ever since. Try a new distributor I bet it will fix your problem
When I purchased the boat in 2020 I got all the maintenance records from the previous owner. They had various mechanics chase this issue for over 8 years with carb replacement, new points/condenser, coil, cap, rotor and various other troubleshooting efforts like drain fuel tank install new pickup etc….on and on. After 2 events of failure on the water I swapped out the entire distributor assembly with that petronix kit and it the magic. No obvious defects in the distributor but I assume when it heated up something is grounding or creating an open circuit. Give it a try. I think Summit Racing has the entire distributor for around 500 bucks. I’ll be glad to send you my old 3.0 merc distributor if you want to test it out and see what’s defective. Happy Boating and your channel is awesome
I love your attitude Capt.
I like how positive the captain of the tow boat was. Super cool.
Same here, they were awesome!
Thanks for posting, your vids helped me along my rebuild and kept me motivated.
-Jimmy from Canada
Thank you sir!
Love the boat, you'll get her going!!!!!
Thanks man I’m trying!
Cool restoration! But that's why i'm always terrified to use cheap amazon parts. They're fine to keep onboard as a spare, but for full on repairs, I always use OEM Mercruiser parts. It's also good to hear a 3.0 mercruiser idle correctly. I need to adjust the timing and carb on mine. Hope you get it running again soon!
You know, if it wasnt an old project boat, it wouldnt be an adventure. I'm on the 4th engine in my 1971 Land'N sea. Finally broke down and got a more modern fuel injected 454. Just posted a video of me installing it. Looking forward to seeing what went wrong with yours. lol
That’s awesome! There’s nothing like new fuel injection on the water, just turn the key and it starts whether it’s 110 degrees outside or 50 degrees. The old carbed engine just can’t quite pull that off.
Puppy is gorgeous, please put a lifevest on her 🇦🇺🐶
Yessir we have one for her that you could see in a couple of the shots. Need to keep it on her more of the time though especially in that little boat.
I wouldn't be afraid to ask someone for a tow, especially on a restoration boat like that! Personally I'm always looking for a chance to help out if I can, I've been towed enough times, I'm happy to tow someone else.
Very true I know a lot of people out there would have helped right away if we asked.
I got into boats back in the mid-80s. There wasn't any old wreck I couldn't see the potential in, and I was willing to put in the work. Woodcraft, fiberglass, becoming a half-ass marine mechanic of necessity, and enjoying varying levels of success. From 15' to 23', I did it all. Built a couple from scratch using my designs, and others. Speedboats, and I'm talking 100+mph, and jonboats too. Enjoyed it, mostly, but then I got old, and it ceased to be fun! I just finished what will probably be my last boat, a 15' runabout with a 1971 seahorse. It'll do me just fine. Enjoy the journey, boys. The memories, and the mistakes, will last a lifetime
That is awesome! We are enjoying it over the years no matter what happens. Like you said will be good to have these memories one day. Glad you got another one built, it’s not an easy task that’s for sure!
Such a great storyteller! I had a similar experience with a pull cord. Looking forward to an update on the jet boat.
Thanks! Breaking down from a pull cord issue sounds rough, probably something that no one ever keeps a spare of either?
I kept a pull cord for my electric start 2 stroke evinrude 75. I also had to use it a time or two. I love the back up option
@@mikecrawford7352 If I had of realised my new aftermarket fuel line wasn’t quite aligned with the ball valve release, I probably wouldn’t have abused the pull cord in anger at the thing defying my order to start!
Old boats are fun, if you like this kind of sh** 😂 I restored a 16‘ 1972 Winner Wildcat over the winter and we tried it out in Croatia. Big fun and we only broke down once (steering helm came loose on the z drive) but were able to limp back on our own. Now I have an issue that the engine dies at idle but runs fine at higher rpms, probably a vacuum problem - lets see…
Keep on going and tell us about the jet boat!
I just looked up what a Winner Wildcat is. That’s a fun looking boat! I’ve been there with the boat not wanting to idle right, which makes coming back into the marina always fun. Thanks for the feedback!
I may have mentioned it in a comment in another video, but I carry a 6hp outboard in my ski locker just in case I need it to get back to the ramp. I’m like you, I don’t want to ruin someone’s day and have them tow me back.
That is such a good idea man! I have those two 4 HP outboards from the micro jetboat, so I could probably rig something up to mount one of them to the swim ladder when needed. Might only go 3 mph and take 2 hours to get home but better than the $350 tow bill I paid.
@@Motiv8Labs yessir, I age a kicker bracket that I mount to the swim platform if needed.
I feel ya!! The Mini konked out last Sunday on a drive, apparently the alternator had died and it ran until the battery was too dead to run. There probably should have been an idiot light to tell me, but there wasn't... $600 tow back to my house.
$600!?!! We are in the wrong business.
Just a couple more projects to finish before I can start working on my 82' Boston Whaler Revenge V-20 again. I want to clean her up and update her sooo bad. I've been working my ASS off for the last couple years and now I just want to chill on the bayou hahaha Gotta put in more work before that though 👍🏻👍🏻
That’s awesome. Yeah little at a time and one day it will be done. At least that’s what I keep telling ourselves about our projects around here.
I didnt read through all the comments so maybe you answered what was wrong, but as a 3L mercruiser owner and someone who has dealt with the pertronix and coils and such on these. Take a gander at the OHM rating of the coil and verify it is correct for your ignition system. IF you get it wrong the coil it can get hot, burn up the pertonix etc. and have issues very similar to what you were having. Another one to look for is the ignition/starter contactor on my boat it had a bypass and also a resistor circuit. While cranking it was in bypass and providing full 12v to the ignition, and while running it went through a resistor and reduced the voltage to the ignition. Took a bit to diagnose that my bypass was open and the boat wouldn't fire while cranking but would sometimes fire just as you let off the switch and would start.
You are right on with that. The coil was the 3 ohm version with the built in internal resistance meant for that module without a ballast resistor required. They are both 10+ years old and from another engine, and the vibration of that engine might have killed it. I see they have an epoxy filled coil for marine and harsh vibration use, so that’s what I was going to buy next. Glad I’m not the only one that’s dealt with this before!
I always wanted to put a ugh horn on my boat when I had one. About 10 years ago I sold a 1978 crestliner 15’ trihual I owned it for 2 years. 3 separate trips I had issues with it. I had battery issues, clogged fuel filters, and a fuel tank that wouldn’t prime.
Sounds about right. The fuel tank not priming is the same for me, if the fuel lines are empty sometimes have to get it running off starting fluid before it will draw fuel all the way through.
@@Motiv8Labs all 3 times I was able to self rescue without needing to row. There were a few boats around that we probably could have waved down for a tow. One time I was in the middle of the lake first and only time going to this lake. It was 14.5 sq miles 39’ max depth makes for warm water and tall grasses. Any way we had been driving around letting the kids drive in the middle we broke down. While trying to figure it out and just after getting the kids and dog back aboard. No wind to speak of no boats anywhere the water was like glass, we got hit by a single wave about 2 foot high broad side. It came back rom the other direction as we got it fired up. I swear we saw that same wave 3 or 4 times after that.
I traded for a tri hull in 1987 and totally restored it, however the Volvo Penta straight six with triple carbs needed no work. Last weekend on the Columbia River in Vancouver Washington after six hours of family fun my boat died and had to be towed….first time since restoration. A wire slipped its connection on the ignition condenser, 10 second fix
It’s crazy how a lot of times it’s some simple tiny cheapo part that takes the whole boat out. Jealous that you have a good navigable river like that one!
Hey man you need to do a video on that OBS F-150!
It's a wonder that thing still even runs.
@@Motiv8Labs I have a 1995 obs f150 i know what you mean. Its a project truck/toy/moneypit
Hey how is the Amazon eva flooring holding up after a year?
It’s perfect on the boat, since it’s been in covered storage most of the time. But the better test is on the micro jet boat it’s been outside in the sun uncovered since last year. It faded just a tiny bit but still looks great. I guess they put some half decent UV protectant chemicals in that cheapo flooring.
My friend put Amazon EVA in his Bayliner. After a year, it would turn your feet, or whatever you touched it with, blue.
Man it sucks to be broke down anywhere, but especially the water, and Worse yet the Ocean.
I am going old school too, because I am leery of the 4 strokes that you need a lap top and program to add fuel and oil.
I also have a 70's something year Pisces TriHull 15' that I started a resto on but got a 69 Mako dream or nightmare that took over my spare time. Like 5 years now, but I did shatter a ankle so I call medical leave for 2 years. lol.
Good luck.
comment # 5 and 300 th view.
Old school is nice for troubleshooting and fixing, only a few wires and parts, so I do like that. There is something nice about the fuel injection that just starts right up every single time whether it’s hot or cold. They both have their pros I guess! Good luck with yours.
We scrapped a tri-hull. Best thing ever we ever did. Terrible in rough water. They were designed for those ding-dongs that try to stand up in a kayak and cast for fish. Because they identify PFDs as violating their rights and unmanly, often times they take a permanent nap .
Yeah only benefit is the tri-hull is pretty stable when sitting still, which it seems to be doing a lot lately.
I have an 84 sea sprite with the same engine.
The previous owner had this same issue for 8 + years with my boat.
I purchased it 4 years ago and it did the same thing to me after about 30 minutes it would die with no spark then it would fire up again after about 45 min of not running…..no spark.
I had a spare parts boat with the same motor and I swapped the entire distributor (same petronix system)
That was the issue and it’s been running strong ever since.
Try a new distributor I bet it will fix your problem
Thanks for the comment. Glad I’m not the only one who has had these kind of weird ignition issues.
When I purchased the boat in 2020 I got all the maintenance records from the previous owner. They had various mechanics chase this issue for over 8 years with carb replacement, new points/condenser, coil, cap, rotor and various other troubleshooting efforts like drain fuel tank install new pickup etc….on and on.
After 2 events of failure on the water I swapped out the entire distributor assembly with that petronix kit and it the magic.
No obvious defects in the distributor but I assume when it heated up something is grounding or creating an open circuit. Give it a try.
I think Summit Racing has the entire distributor for around 500 bucks.
I’ll be glad to send you my old 3.0 merc distributor if you want to test it out and see what’s defective. Happy Boating and your channel is awesome
Looks like they are available a few places online at various prices.
Sierra P/N 18-5315-1.
order some quality parts this time! and at least act like you know what you are doing!
I’ll make an attempt