1985 merc 3.0 liter..... *starting troubles*

[jwsimmons]

I just bought my boat and the last two times I have been to the lake I have had to spend 10-15 trying to get my engine to even fire. I have had to play with the carburator and eventually Iget the engine to run. Once the engine is warm it runs great and I have no troubles starting it again if I shut it off as long as the engine is still warm.

What do all you wise mechanics think might be my problem? Carb.? pluggs? caps/ wires? any other ideas maybe? I just changed the fuel filter so it's not that.

Thanks in advance everyone

 

[jwsimmons]

Re: 1985 merc 3.0 liter..... *starting troubles*

P.S. The engine does turn over when trying to start it just doesn't fire right away.

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: 1985 merc 3.0 liter..... *starting troubles*

I would check the choke for proper operation.....
What procedure do you follow to start it?
It is not fuel injected, you need to pump the throttle at least once to set the choke.....
Pull off the flame arrestor & have an assistant pump the throttle once....
You should hear/see astream of fuel & the choke should set.....
Try the procedure outlined here, pump the throttle twice, & set it at 1/4 open, turn the key & be prepared to back it down once it catches.......
You are just starting off dry when it is cold.......JK

 

[jwsimmons]

Re: 1985 merc 3.0 liter..... *starting troubles*

You know what, I should of known that. I haven't given it a choke yet. I bet that's my problem. At least that would be nice.

 

[Don S]

Re: 1985 merc 3.0 liter..... *starting troubles*

It is not fuel injected, you need to pump the throttle at least once to set the choke.....

Even after the initial pump, you will probably need to have the throttle up to 1/4 throttle to start it. Then move it down.
Depending on you choke setting, state of tuneup, and how good your carb is, it may take several pumps to get enough fuel into the engine to start it.

 

[jwsimmons]

Re: 1985 merc 3.0 liter..... *starting troubles*

I got it running and it was 10 times easier than last time. It didn't start the first or second time but it did start a lot easier. YOu guys are genious (or I'm dumb). Either way I'm happy!!!!

Thanks guys!

 

[Bondo]

Re: 1985 merc 3.0 liter..... *starting troubles*

It didn't start the first or second time but it did start a lot easier.

That could mean that the Choke is i need of some Attention,......
Or possibly another underlying Carb. Problem......

If you don't know the History of the motor,....
A General Tune-Up is Always a Good Idea.............

 

[turbodriven]

Re: 1985 merc 3.0 liter..... *starting troubles*

My 3.0L starts after only a few cranks using the procedure outline earlier. Push the button so it's throttle only (so it's not in gear) and pump it twice. Then leave it at about 1/4 throttle and back it off to a respectable setting once she fires. After about 30 seconds I'll back it all the way back to 12 o'clock and let her warm up at an idle from there.