1973 850 starting problem

[againstthewind]

I have been trying to start this motor for two days and very frustrted to say the least..It turns over great and starts for a few seconds at a time but wont stay running.I removed the fuel pump cover and the diaphram appears ok with no obvious holes or tears.Disconnecting fuel line on discharge side of pump fuel will spurt out as engine is turning over.I have the throttle lever positioned at mid range even with the neutral position of gear shift llever.Choke solenoid is working properly.I dont know how to check for spark other than to pull coil wire from center of distributer and while cranking motor to see if there is spark.Problem is I'm working alone and cant turn ignition key up front while in the back by motorI guess my next thing to check ls the inside of distributor cap and spray some electrical contact cleaner inside cap.
Am I missing something here ??? How much fuel should actually squirt from fuel pump line ???

 

[Chris1956]

Re: 1973 850 starting problem

Pull the spark plugs, tape them together in their wires and to ground. Now crank the motor and see if they all spark, in order. If so, it is likely the carbs are dirty.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: 1973 850 starting problem

When was the last time it was running properly? It sounds as if it is running on the enrichment dose of fuel...... which would lead me to believe the carbs are gunked up. Those carbs are fairly easy to take apart and clean but a PITA to remove

 

[againstthewind]

Re: 1973 850 starting problem

Found the problem was the distributer cap.Motor starts fine now.I had the boat out in the gulf for a few hours today.Seems to be lacking power...How fast should this be able to go on a 17' fiberglass v hull ?? If the speedo is accurate I never went over 20 mph...Has anyone had any luck with the sea foam fuel additive product? Thanks to all