1989 3.0 Mercruiser won't start

Mickstir

Cadet
Joined
Apr 24, 2020
Messages
6
I'm new to the forum and have read some discussion on my problem but still not sure what's wrong with my 1989 3.0 Mercruiser 4 cyl engine. It won't start. I've drained old fuel and replaced with new. Installed new fuel pump, starter and solenoid, coil, points and condenser. Set points at .019". Getting fuel to carb and spark to all plugs but engine still won't fire or start. Makes no sense to me. What am I missing? Please help. Thanks. Mickstir
 

Bondo

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Apr 17, 2002
Messages
71,308
Ayuh,..... Welcome Aboard,...... Does it have Compression,..??..??
 

Bondo

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Apr 17, 2002
Messages
71,308
Getting fuel to carb and spark to all plugs but engine still won't fire or start.

Ayuh,.... Ok,.... Any sign of gas gettin' to the spark plugs,..?? Are they wet,..??

Have ya tried dumpin' a 1/2 once of gas down the carb's throat, 'n tryin' it,..??
 

Mickstir

Cadet
Joined
Apr 24, 2020
Messages
6
Yes. Getting gas to plugs and have tried dumping gas directly into carb. Still nothing.
 

Bt Doctur

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Aug 29, 2004
Messages
19,453
what about the spark? the points tend to oxidize and not make contact
 

Searay205

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
May 27, 2018
Messages
471
Your probably flooding the **** out of it. Pump it once and hold throttle half open. If you flood it put throttle all the way open and crank. Where the starting fluid? go pick some up. If its going to fire it will fire with that. The Mercarb a pia and with your being 30 years old i sure all the clearlances are worn. It will never start just turning key without some throttle. its not fuel injection. My still had points and condenser when i sold 2 years ago, original alternator, spark plug wires . unreal

i could have engine running in 15 minutes, 3 minutes to start and 12 minutes to drink a beer.
 
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