Intermittent starting problem with 1989 mercruiser 3.0

[kdog]

I have another problem. Sometimes, after I have been using the boat for a while, It won't start. It almost starts but dosn't. The few times that it has happened, it started the next day but all three times It happened I had to be towed back to my dock. The first 2 times I thought it might have something to do with the belt haveing been rubbing but it is still happening even after I fixed the problem with the belt. Most of the time it starts right up though. Anyone Know what the problem, could be?

 

[Banditz]

Re: Intermittent starting problem with 1989 mercruiser 3.0

Well to begin with first thing you need to do is take it back out have some fun but stay close to the dock. When it does it again, look to see if its getting spark. Remove one plug and put a screwdriver in the socket, then have a friend turn the engine over while you hold the screwdriver within a
1/8th of a inch away from a good ground. Block works great. If you see a blue spark then your likely good. If not read up on the no spark tread in this forum.

Next if spark checks good, then check fuel. My bet is your not getting fuel. Remove the air cover and look down into the carb. have your friend move the controls front and back and see if you see any fuel spraying into the carb. Now, if you dont get some gas or ether spray, and put a small amount in the carb hole. GET back and turn the engine over, if it now starts or at least acts like it wants to then you have a fuel problem and you need to read up on the fuel tread in this forum.

Either way, keep us up to date...