Hard to start after a few days

[bud]

I am a first time boat owner and have a 1994 mercruiser 4.3 LX. The engine runs fine after I get it started. However, if it has been 4 or 5 days before I've run the boat, I have a terrible time getting it started. I have to crank and crank and crank to get it started. It seems as though I'm not getting fuel to the carburator. I have changed the accelerator pump because I could not see any gas spraying into the carburator when I pumped the throttle and set the choke. This did not solve the problem and I still see no gas spray when I pump the throttle. Should I not be able to see a short spray when pumping the throttle. <br />If I start the motor again within a day or two it starts right up. I also do not have any trouble re-starting once I have it running.<br />Can someone tell please tell me what might be wrong?<br />Thanks to anyone who can help.

 

[ctak]

Re: Hard to start after a few days

I have just completed trouble shooting my 94 4.3LX. Mine would have a little trouble starting cold but like yours if I started it the night before it would start right up the next day. My symptoms were a bit more hit and miss. One time I went out and ran a couple of miles and stopped, when I tried to start it nothing. After a waiting 15-20 min I finally got it to start. The last time out it started right up ran for 1/2 day then when I went to start it up it would rev for a second and die. I too looked in the carb and didn't see much spray going to the carb. After tracing the wires asking questions and getting help I found the problem was with the oil pressure sender down by the oil filter. The connectors were corroded and finally not getting any juice to the fuel pump. You can disconnect the two wires and jumper them with some wire. Then turn the key to the "on" position. You should hear the electric pump hum. Make sure the wires are clean and making good contact before putting back on. The wire also goes to the starter solenoid on the starter motor. Make sure that connector is clean. You can check to make sure that your anti-siphon valve at the fuel tank is working. This is usually just a brass fitting with a ball valve. Just disconnect the gas hose and unscrew the fitting and check to make sure it's not stuck. Hope this helps.

 

[kevlar3000]

Re: Hard to start after a few days

Is your battery and charging system in good order? My outboard is a bear to start if the batt is in the half charge range.