New to Outboards; Please help not getting fuel!!!

[txarmydude]

Hi,

I got a new used boat really cheap, but I have yet to hear it run. When I first tried to start it up it coughed then won't do anything but crank. I am getting spark on new plugs, and have 125-127 compression on all cylinders. The fuel is pumping because after cranking awhile I can see it dripping from the carbs. The spark plugs are bone dry, though. So I guess they are not getting fuel.

Does anyone know what would cause this issue? The motor is a 1986 115 Mercury outboard. I am a little new to outboards, so help is much appreciated! Thanks!

 

[jbjennings]

Re: New to Outboards; Please help not getting fuel!!!

You need to check your spark with an air gap spark tester to see if it's good enough to work inside the cylinder under compression. It needs to be able to jump at least a 1/4" air gap.
After getting a good spark check, go to the carbs. You could try spraying a little fuel/oil mix into the carbs and seeing if it will crank--not starter fluid or carb cleaner. If it cranks, clean the carbs.
If it still won't crank, try spraying a little fuel/oil mix into the cylinders via the spark plug holes (make sure you don't get any grit or dirt into the cylinders). If it cranks and runs for a second or so then, but not when fuel is sprayed through the carbs, the only thing that could be the problem is faulty reeds, which is pretty rare.
Then again, you could always wait for a real merc expert that actually knows something about an inline 6.
Good luck,
JBJ

 

[SparkieBoat]

Re: New to Outboards; Please help not getting fuel!!!

check your compression also. if it was my motor I just got,( I would have done compression check before purchase) I would, change water pump impeller, gear case oil, remove and clean carbs, and what jb said.