96 mercruiser 3.0 won't start.

[rickpicker]

I have a 96 mercruiser 3.0 LX. I rebuilt the carb and it started and ran great at home. Took it to the lake after I topped off the tank about half a tank. Backed it down the ramp it would turn over but won't start. Tried spraying starter fluid down throat of carb. no help. Thought spark looked weak changed battery, plugs cap and rotor waiting for coil to arrive.

 

[Jerico]

Re: 96 mercruiser 3.0 won't start.

How about the kill switch? I've bumped mine before and didn't notice it. Also does it have the shift interrupt switch?

Check this thread: http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=248029&highlight=shift+switch

 

[Don S]

Re: 96 mercruiser 3.0 won't start.

Thought spark looked weak changed battery, plugs cap and rotor waiting for coil to arrive.

Ahhhhh, the ole "throw money at it and hope for the best" method of marine troubleshooting.
First, NEVER use starting fluid on an engine. Find the problem.
How did you check for spark?
Why do you say it looked week? Was it yellow and would only jump an 1/8" instead of bright blue and able to jump 1/2" ?

 

[rickpicker]

Re: 96 mercruiser 3.0 won't start.

Thanks for the quick reply.Kill switch wouldn't let it turn over. I assume it has a shift interrupt switch as it will only turn over in neutral. I was thinking bad fuel, thought starter fluid would verify.(I guess it's not likely since it was half tank). Picked up coil yesterday have not installed yet. It is 12 years old so I don't mind replacing it, but Don,You're right this shotgun troubleshooting method is not the best. I propped a spark plug up so I could see it and had my wife crank it. The first spark looked bright blue but pale yellow after that.

 

[Don S]

Re: 96 mercruiser 3.0 won't start.

Thanks for the quick reply.Kill switch wouldn't let it turn over.

The kill switch stops ignition, not the starter.

I assume it has a shift interrupt switch as it will only turn over in neutral.

That is the neutral safety switch, the shift interrupt switch is used for SHIFTING, if the cable is stiff to operate, it can hold the shift interrupt sysem on and kill the spark.

To check spark, pull the coil wire out of the center of the distributor cap, hold it about 1/2" from a good ground and crank the engine.

 

[Dryon]

Re: 96 mercruiser 3.0 won't start.

Don, when you say Hold the coil wire do you mean with your hand or insulated plyers? Will it bit you if you hold it with your hand? Just thought this needs to be clarified.

 

[Bondo]

Re: 96 mercruiser 3.0 won't start.

Will it bit you if you hold it with your hand? Just thought this needs to be clarified.

Ayuh,..... If it Bites you,.... You Know it's Working.............

 

[fishrdan]

Re: 96 mercruiser 3.0 won't start.

Hold the coil wire do you mean with your hand or insulated plyers?

Ahh Yeah, I would hold it with insulated pliars,,, especially if you have friends like me.

My buddy was holding a 50KV coil's high tension wire while i had my hand on the ignition switch,,, let's just say I couldn't resist temptation and pay backs are a .....