merc 350 starting problems

[diew]

Hi..have a 1985 searay 230 with merc 350. Yesterday we ran the boat all day with no problems. We started it up this morning for about 3 minutes and it ran fine. We filled up the gas tank, got to the launch ramp, and then it didn't start. We thought it might be flooded so we let it sit for about 10 minutes, then tried starting it again. The engine turns over but doesn't start up. After an hour we finally pulled the boat out of the water. I pulled out the number 5 spark plug and number 1 spark plug. the number 5 spark plug looks good but the number 1 plug looks a little fouled. I cleaned it off and made sure both spark plugs sparked. I put them back in and tried starting the boat again. But it still doesn't start. Also, i can manually pump the throttle and gas comes out. Any suggestions would be appreciated.<br /><br />the only other thing i can think of is the timing. <br />but i couldn't see how that could get off in 30 minutes.<br /><br />thanks for your time

 

[hoot]

Re: merc 350 starting problems

fuel filter(s)? plugged carb jets? accel pump working doesn't mean other circuits in carb are clear.

 

[Mahoney]

Re: merc 350 starting problems

I would double check the distributor and see if it might have come loose and shifted, or plug lead might have come disconnected. I toiled for a week or 2 with an old chevy 350 absolutely convinced I had a good initial timing lined up to find out somehow it was 90 degrees off, and it fired right up after I got it right. Use a voltmeter and see if your points are opening with the engine off, that a great way to get a very close initial timing. Although having it start fine the same morning then crap out on you seems a bit wierd.

 

[llerrad]

Re: merc 350 starting problems

Timming won't change like that, check your shift maybe the interupt switch is stuck or just out of adjustment.

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: merc 350 starting problems

Move the shifter from to reverse and then fwd and back to neutral and try that.Change the fuel water seperator.Charlie

 

[diew]

Re: merc 350 starting problems

ok..i fixed it...i guess what happened is in between <br />moving the boat from the house to the dock, a plug wire came loose. Then when i tried to start it i gave it too much gas. Then every time i tried starting after that it just got more and more flooded. So yesterday when i fixed the plug wire, i let all the flooded gas clear out and this morning it fired up.. thanks for the help anyway.