4.3 alpha 1 carberator problem?

KCChris

Cadet
Joined
Aug 13, 2003
Messages
9
I have a 88' mercruiser 4.3 v6 alpha. Motor sounds like it's trying to start, but it won't. You can manually put gas in carb and it will start until burns off fuel. I replaced Fuel pump and I know I'm getting fuel at carb. Fuel filter is good, and all fuel lines are clear. Does anyone know what else a novice could check before having carb rebuilt?
 

karayj

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Aug 4, 2002
Messages
472
Re: 4.3 alpha 1 carberator problem?

did it run before did you buy it like this we need past info did you check for spark to the plugs first???
 

KCChris

Cadet
Joined
Aug 13, 2003
Messages
9
Re: 4.3 alpha 1 carberator problem?

History: When Boat was purchased I could prime carb it would start long enough to burn off fuel. I knew It needed a fuel pump. It sat for about 1 1/2 years before it even got fluids changed. It hasn't ran in about two years. I have since changed fuel pump, plugs, plug wires, distributor, etc. I am getting spark at the plugs as well as fuel to the carb, but when cranking motor I don't see fuel spray in the carb. This leads me to believe carb is stopped up and probably needs to be rebuilt. I just want to make sure that before I rebuild, I haven't missed anything. Is there anything else I should check. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
 

pra51

Seaman
Joined
Apr 17, 2003
Messages
72
Re: 4.3 alpha 1 carberator problem?

What kind of carb. is it.2 or 4 bbl.and make.<br />Hollys have a screen in them where fuel line screws on.Floats could be stuck.Rochesters have a filter element where fuel goes in carb.
 

KCChris

Cadet
Joined
Aug 13, 2003
Messages
9
Re: 4.3 alpha 1 carberator problem?

It's a 2 barrel. I think it's a Holley, but I'm not sure. It has a fuel filter where the metal fuel line screws into the carb. I know that I'm getting plenty of fuel pressure at the metal fuel line into the carb. But no fuel spray in the carb.
 

karayj

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Aug 4, 2002
Messages
472
Re: 4.3 alpha 1 carberator problem?

carb kits are about 30.00 bucks but if i were you take the feul line off thake the filter out and sapy it with carb spry use half the can in there spray the filter area and were the fuel goes in to clean the gummed up gas and varnish then try to start it ...if that does not work then take it apart it and rebuid it just saves time and money.. How did you check the fuel pressure?????????
 
Top