New toy won't start :-(

[thedukeryan]

Ran into a soildier that is deploying Monday and had to have his boat gone before then. Its a 1973 Del Magic 16' with a Mercury 850 outboard. The motor turns over great but won't start. The guy put a new battery and plugs in it. I checked the plugs and they seem fine. I sprayed some starter fluid in it and would sputter then die. The boat has been sitting for probably a year. Thinking the carb may be gummed up but don't know. Any ideas. Another concern is that he never winterized it last year. I don't see any cracks, leaks or moisture in the plugs. What are the chances the engine is shot? I appreciate any help.

 

[Vairpilot]

Re: New toy won't start :-(

First off don't use starter fluid to get her going, the lack of lube will cause rapid and excessive wear. Do a gas/oil mix in a spray bottle and use that instead. Last year I was in a similar situation and had to go through the motor, checking everything. Start with the fuel system, make sure the pump is good, filters are clean, no holes/blockage in fuel lines, take the carbs apart and clean/adjust them. Does the fuel bulb hold pressure after being pumped?

 

[thedukeryan]

Re: New toy won't start :-(

The bulb holds pressure. I checked it again and after sitting over night it was a tad bit softer but still pretty solid.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: New toy won't start :-(

The boat probably has year old gas in it that was not did not have a fuel stabilizer added before storage. Adding treatment now will do no good as the fuel is bad and the carbs are probably gummed up. If the engine turns over and seems to want to run, it is probably ok but carb rebuilds, disposal of the bad gas, replacement of fuel filters and some fresh fuel should bring it to life.

 

[thedukeryan]

Re: New toy won't start :-(

I have a mechanic that does work for me after hours. He came by today and checked it out. Turns out the only issue was the valve at the tank quick disconnect wasn't working. We pulled the spring loaded plunger and with a little either sprayed in the carbs it fired right up. Ran fine after several starts/kills. Went to start it again to leave running and I broke the key :-( small older boat but got him to drop the price from $1000 to $300 due to it not starting