Im Stuck!! Merc 140 stopped turning over!

[EbkoMarquis77]

I have a 1976 Ebko Marquis 1650 model #21407 with a mercruiser 140hp 3.0L motor (Engine Serial #: 4514635, stern drive serial #: 4533512). Bought it winterized and it had not run for almost 2 years. Replaced starter and spark plugs immediately, as well as cleaned up points and checked all lines within that system. Took fuel pump apart and cleaned up/out old tarnished gas. Ran Heet treatment to remove moisture from gas and replaced with fresh gas after running the tank to almost dry. To get it running long enough I?ve had to hit the carb with some starter fluid (I feel like far too much). When I throttle I see two solid streams of gas enter the carb, but all the thing will do is crank. From what I?ve been told/have read there is a mechanical fuel pump on this motor meaning the fuel pump will engage only after the motor is running. Once I?ve had it running it will run until I turn it off without a problem - it?s simply to start it back up and keep it going that is a pain. Furthermore, hitting the carb with starter fluid will no longer get the motor to completely turn over, just quick bursts of the motor trying to run before it burns up the fluid and simply goes back to cranking again. This is my first attempt at a boat restoration, and up until this point it has been continuous progress and awesome learning experiences. Unfortunately, now it seems like it?s so close to water readiness but I just can?t get it to be reliable enough to put on the water.
I guess while I am here I should also mention I will have to fix the power steering - I have just been holding off on that endeavor until there?s a reason to fix it (i.e the boat actually runs somewhat reliably). Not sure where to start on that job, so maybe there?s some insight here on that are too??
Thanks in advance for the help guys!

 

[alldodge]

I have a 1976 Ebko Marquis 1650 model #21407 with a mercruiser 140hp 3.0L motor (Engine Serial #: 4514635, stern drive serial #: 4533512). Bought it winterized and it had not run for almost 2 years. Replaced starter and spark plugs immediately, as well as cleaned up points and checked all lines within that system. Took fuel pump apart and cleaned up/out old tarnished gas. Ran Heet treatment to remove moisture from gas and replaced with fresh gas after running the tank to almost dry.

Think you sucked up some crud and the carb is clogged

To get it running long enough I’ve had to hit the carb with some starter fluid (I feel like far too much).

Agree stop using starting fluid

When I throttle I see two solid streams of gas enter the carb, but all the thing will do is crank. From what I’ve been told/have read there is a mechanical fuel pump on this motor meaning the fuel pump will engage only after the motor is running.

A mechanical fuel pump does not work off electricity. It pumps every time the engine makes a revolution.

Once I’ve had it running it will run until I turn it off without a problem - it’s simply to start it back up and keep it going that is a pain. Furthermore, hitting the carb with starter fluid will no longer get the motor to completely turn over, just quick bursts of the motor trying to run before it burns up the fluid and simply goes back to cranking again. This is my first attempt at a boat restoration, and up until this point it has been continuous progress and awesome learning experiences. Unfortunately, now it seems like it’s so close to water readiness but I just can’t get it to be reliable enough to put on the water.
I guess while I am here I should also mention I will have to fix the power steering - I have just been holding off on that endeavor until there’s a reason to fix it (i.e the boat actually runs somewhat reliably). Not sure where to start on that job, so maybe there’s some insight here on that are too??
Thanks in advance for the help guys!

I will suggest pull the fuel filter and dump the contents into a zip lock back, I guessing it's full of crud and maybe some water.

Next pull the carb and see how much crud is in it.

 

[EbkoMarquis77]

When I pulled the fuel filter there was nothing actually inside of it. There was only a little bit of gelatinous fuel(?) that built up. I cleaned all the gunk out of it, and the gas was free flowing again. The filter was old(er) but didn't look completely shot - ill be changing it out tomorrow anyways. How would I even go about pulling apart the carb - when I've looked at it with the idea of disassembling it, it seemed like there were far to many components for my skill level. After all the time I have put into this project the last thing I want to do is ruin it due to inexperience.

 

[alldodge]

In that case, I would suggest taking the carb to someone else or buy a rebuilt and exchange with the vendor. Here is a link of what your carb looks like dismantled. There are 4 nuts holding the carb on the intake manifold and a throttle linkage which will need to be removed.
http://www.mercruiserparts.com/Show...g&inbr=1586&bnbr=50&bdesc=CARBURETOR+ASSEMBLY

Your carb part number is 1347-8186201