1990 Mercury outboard - won't start

[wakruem]

Hello,
This is my first time posting to this web site, so I hope someone can help. I have a 1990 Mercury outboard 40HP. I've had it now for approximately 4 years. I had it running and in the water a couple of weeks ago and it ran fine like it always has. Recently I went to start it up and it would crank, but it wouldn't fire over. I replaced the spark plugs and had the same result. It would crank fine, but again it would kick over. I checked for spark on all 4 plugs and it looks fine. I see gas entering in both carbs, so I know it's getting gas. Does anyone have any ideas as to what it could be. I'm stumped here. I tried everything that I know to do, but this is kind of limited because I'm not a mechanic and I'm not to familair with outboard motor repair. I was hoping to get some help here on this forum. Please help. Thanks.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: 1990 Mercury outboard - won't start

Hello! Now what? o

 

[Silvertip]

Re: 1990 Mercury outboard - won't start

Your post only came through with "Hello" when I first saw it which is why my response appeared as it did. Although gas enters the carbs, it may not be getting into the cylinders. Are the plugs wet with fuel? If they are, then you likely have a spark issue. If they are dry you have a fuel issue. Try spraying a fuel/oil premix directly into the carbs using a spray bottle (no starting fluid please). If the engine fires, you have a fuel issue which is likely clogged carbs. Time to remove them, completely disassemble them, soak them in carb cleaner, clean all internal passages and jets, and then reassemble with new kits. Even though you observe spark, it may not be strong enough to fire the mixture. The spark should easily jump a 3/8 inch gap.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 1990 Mercury outboard - won't start

look here:
http://forums.iboats.com/bbBoard.cgi?a=viewthread;fid=36;gtid=1035554