Palmer Marine Motor turns over but wont crank

[GypsySoul34]

Anyone out there still running a Palmer? We're working on our P60, it had not been run in some time before we bought it. It turns over but wont crank. Its getting fuel, carb is clean, starter is good, plugs and wires are new. At this point we're open to ideas. Any help will be greatly appreciated!

[skipmac]

Really not enough information to make any accurate diagnosis. Have you followed the basic gas engine trouble shooting beyond what you mentioned? Gas engine takes three things to run: compression, fuel and spark, the last two of course must be there at the correct time.

WARNING!!!! Be very careful testing the fuel and spark. Spilling gas or fumes in a boat could make an explosive situation. Checking spark after that could turn the situation into a big boom.

Compression: how long had the engine been sitting, years? Any chance the rings are frozen up or valves stuck open so you aren't getting any compression?

Fuel. It's getting fuel but how far down the line? Just to the carb or all the way to the cylinder?

Spark. Do you see spark on the plugs when you turn over the engine.

[GypsySoul34]

We're getting compression, and spark, and fuel throuhh the carb. We're wondering if there is anything unique to the Palmer we wouldnt have gone through in basic gas motor troubleshooting

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[skipmac]

Spark. So you have pulled a plug, held it against the block and observed a nice, strong spark when you turn over the engine? Have you checked more than one plug.

Fuel. After turning over without the engine starting if you pull a plug is it wet with gas? Do you get a strong smell of gas from the cylinders?

Compression. Did you do a compression test on each cylinder? What's the results?

[bornyesterday]

"Won't crank" (where I live) means "won't turn over on the starter motor" - do you mean "won't fire?"

Assuming it's not just flooded - check the firing order again since you've replaced HT leads. If you have good spark at all plugs the dizzy cap, condenser & rotor arm should be OK. If that's all correct try spraying (squeeze spray, just a little) petrol into the air intake while you crank it over.

If it then tries to fire check the carb again, if not check the valve timing. Ignition timing 180 degrees out (on a 4 cyl.) is also common. Sorry I don't know your engine at all.

Once heard of someone turning the engine wrong rotation by reversing battery polarity...

Good luck!

[GypsySoul34]

Thanks for the responses! We're going back through everything once more to see what we couldve overlooked. I'll let you know how it turns out.

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