Motor Wont Run

[lbuchanan]

Im looking at buying a boat from a friend at work.<br />The boat has been setting for about a year or so. We drained the old gas out of it and replaced it with fresh gas. The motor is a 40 hp 97 Merc Mariner.<br />We hooked the motor to our water hose and tried to start it. It will run for about 4-5 seconds and then quits. I checked the fuel bulb before and after we started it and it stays hard. We took the cover off and noticed the fuel filter was dry after we started it. My friend told me that the last time he had it in the water it ran fine when in gear, but when he let it idle it would run about a min and die. Does this sound like the fuel pump or what....Any Help PLZ<br />We also changed the Spark Plugs and put in a new battery.

 

[Bear]

Re: Motor Wont Run

If there is fuel in the float bowl it will run for more than 4-5 seconds. Is the fuel filter full when it starts?<br /><br />You drained the old fuel and replaced it with fresh fuel. Did you just drain the tank or was there old fuel in the fuel filter and carb too? <br /><br />Was there old fuel in the float bowl it might glogged the jets and small passageways. Maybe a stuck float valve too. Leaving fuel in the carb over the winter or a few months is asking for trouble.<br /><br />Maybe the fuel pump needs a new kit (after just a few years?). Maybe there is an air leak somewhere.<br /><br />Do you have spark from all sparkplugs when it stops?<br /><br />If you squeeze the bulb again, does it start again too?<br /><br />Tell us more.<br /><br />/Bear

 

[lbuchanan]

Re: Motor Wont Run

I was incorrect about the fuel bulb. It will not start unless we squeeze the bulb again and then it runs for 4-5 secs. I am pretty sure he drained the gas from the entire motor and lines. This is the only boat i have seen that does not have a fast idle leaver. It runs strong for the 4-5 seconds it does run. He did tell me today that when he changed the original plugs they we a little wet. Plz keep the help coming....thanks

 

[lbuchanan]

Re: Motor Wont Run

Anyone??

 

[RICKRICK1]

Re: Motor Wont Run

Carbs need overhauled, even a small amount of fuel left in bowl can gum up the passages. Try premix in squirt bottle directly into carbs. If motor runs you have a fuel problem. Usually carbs. Also if has set long invest in fuel pump kit (cheap fix for many fuel problems). Get a manual. You will learn more from it than any place and it will save you bucks over time, and alot of frustration. Hope this helps.

 

[RICKRICK1]

Re: Motor Wont Run

Almost forgot replace water pump impeller first, doesnt do any good to get it running if you burn it up trying to get it to run.

 

[lbuchanan]

Re: Motor Wont Run

Thanks

 

[revertmastec]

Re: Motor Wont Run

If your primer bulb is not staying hard after you pump it a few times the check valve inside may be bad. You may want to test your fuel pump.

 

[lbuchanan]

Re: Motor Wont Run

Im going over to his house Tuesday and going to see what we can do. THANKS ALL