Trying to help a buddy wuth a IO boat.It will start,runfor 20 seconds then stall,but start again and run for another 20 seconds.I thought possibly a broke fuel line,but they look ok.Could this possibly be a fuel pump.Any info much appreciated.
Not sure of most,,,all I know is that is a 4 cyl. inboard with a mercruiser outdrive.Probably around a 1988 boat,,carbureted,,,I think that it is a mercury carb.We pulled the fuel filter on the carb,and it was clean as a whistle.There is a fuel pump on the lower side of motor.That is all I know now,was getting dark tonight,and storm was blowing in.I am also pretty sure it is a mechanical fuel pump.
You need spark, fuel and compression to run. Check for spark by hlding a good plug about 1/4" from the block while cranking it over. With your symptoms it sounds like fuel related. If you have a fuel pressure gauge you should see 3-5 PSI on the fuel line. You can buy a combination fuel pressure/vacuum gauge for about $20 dollars from almost any automotive store.
you need yto take this to a tech. if you cant tell if it is a mechanical or electrical fuel pump your going to do more damage working on it than it has.<br /> good luck and keep posting
mrtool, if you are a little mechanically inclined you can figure it out. It is not rocket science. If you are uncomfortable with mechanical things, take it to a shop.
Ok all,I can hold my own compared to most when it comes to mechanicing,,just ran out of daylight and time.It is a mechanical car style fuel pump.Had to go back to work to do some security work,,we possibly had a burglar in our building.I get very little time,was just trying to get some insight before I got back to the boat.It almost seems like a fuel problem.I am going to pull the fuel line and check to see if it is pumping fuel.Thanks for the input,like I said,I have not dived in yet,just trying to get some early insight.
