Engine Does Not Prime Prior to Start Up

[BirdieNumNum]

2000 310 with twin 5.7 TBI B3s. I hear the starboard engine prime after turning on the ignition switch and prior to engaging the starter. I do not hear a priming sound coming from my port engine though. The port engine takes several attempts to get it running but the starboard motor fires right up. When I do get the port engine started it puts out a light blue smoke for several minutes and then it quits smoking. Doesn't smoke again at start up unless it sits for several days. Am I looking at two different issues?

 

[DarkJester]

I believe you are. Light blue smoke is usually, and almost always, oil smoke. However, you mentioned that the Port engine isn't "Priming". I assume (uh-oh) that you are referring to the sound of the electric fuel pump pressurizing the fuel rail, or the lack of it on that side. If that is true start looking for the fuel relay on that engine, and also check the fuse. let's get that part of the issue fixed first. Anytime an engine has a fuel issue and you finally do get it to start it will usually smoke. Black, white, or blue. (fuel, water, oil). Once we get it starting as well as the Stbd side, then let's look at the smoking part of the show. And we'll start by looking at the spark plugs and condition of the oil, etc.

 

[BirdieNumNum]

Got it. Will do. Thank you!

 

[dlvwill]

From the description of your blue smoke issue; I'd first look at valve stem seals.

 

[SCORPIO]

Did you ever resolve the lack of prime issue? I've got same issue on my 5.7s and the both primed last season, now both dont. Trying to figure out what is going on.

 

[BirdieNumNum]

The mechanic said it's a bad ECM. I started another post about it.