Merc 470 stubborn to start

[bucnon75]

1987 Merc 165, 3.7L or Merc 470

Got me a basically 'free' boat a while back that has been sitting for who knows how long. I have a starting issue, so here's what I've done so far to her (and her name's Piece of Ship).

1) I have decent compression (cold) @ 135-140
2) gave her a tune-up w/ plugs, wires, cap, button, etc
3) new fuel pump and rebuilt carb
4) cleaned out fuel tank
5) installed an inline, see-through fuel filter about 12" before the fuel pump. It's about 3/4 full of fuel.
6) installed the pertronix electronic ignition, have a good spark, and checked the timing- it's about +8 degrees TDC

When I crank it, she seems to want to start. If I pour fuel in the carb she will run for 2-3 seconds and then die.

Questions:
Evidently I have a fuel supply issue? Could the inline fuel filter be the problem, ie restricting flow?
Thanks in advance for your answers!

 

[Don S]

Re: Merc 470 stubborn to start

Look at the carb, nothing is getting to the engine.

5) installed an inline, see-through fuel filter about 12" before the fuel pump. It's about 3/4 full of fuel.

Those are illegal and dangerous. They will not pass a fire test.
If you want to put a filter there, get a waterseperating fuel filter and do it right.
Those clear plastic fuel filters belong on lawn mowers, not boats.

 

[bucnon75]

Re: Merc 470 stubborn to start

Roger that Don. I'll take it off and replace with a fuel/water separator. And then look at the carb afterwards. Many thanks.

 

[Bifflefan]

Re: Merc 470 stubborn to start

read this post

3.7 carb question

 

[bucnon75]

Re: Merc 470 stubborn to start

Thanks bifflefan. While I'm waiting for the water/fuel separator to come in;

I have to assume that the carb was rebuilt correctly. There is fuel at the bottom of the carb and the engine will start momentarily (1 to 2 secs) and then die. (I'm no longer adding fuel to the carb).
The carb was supposedly already tested and set at normal idle. I followed the manual to set the idle again; however, nothing changes.

How else can I check the carb besides rebuilding it myself?

What is the standard starting procedure for the Merc 470?

Thanks again.