problem with first start of the day

[searay ted]

i have a 1995 Searay with a Mercruiser 4.3 litre motor and a Alpha 2nd generation outdrive. The first start of the day is allways the same, The motor will start and run for 5 seconds then quit. To get it started I have to raise the engine cover, unscrew the gas filter, then start the engine and screw the filter tight, and then it will start every time for the rest of the day without unscewing the filter! I have checked the antisiphon valve and it works fine, the fuel vent is clear as I blew through it with compressed air, could it be the fuel pump, even though it works fine all day with numerous starts. I was told by the mechanic at the boat shop that the only thing he could think of was that the needle and seat could be sticking and not letting the fuel in . I also use seafoam about every 4th tank of gas. I would appreciate any help.

 

[Don S]

Re: problem with first start of the day

Welcome aboard Ted.
I would suggest you go up to the adults only thread at the top of this forum and read the first post. Then fill in some blanks for us so we have some idea what you have in there.

 

[searay ted]

Re: problem with first start of the day

hi don. where would i find the adults only thread. i looked and couldnt find it.

 

[Don S]

Re: problem with first start of the day

http://forums.iboats.com/forumdisplay.php?s=&daysprune=&f=21

First thread.

 

[180shabah]

Re: problem with first start of the day

Yes it could be the carb, yes it could be the fuel pump, yes it could be......

In the adults only link posted above there is an entire section on testing the fuel system.

With that said, I will release one possibility that may not present itself, even with a complete system test. The electric fuel pump could be bad and still test good. Let the boat sit over night(you said this is when the problem presents) jump out the oil pressure switch and turn the key to the on position. Does the fuel pump run? If you tap on it with a screwdriver handle(or something similar) does it start running? Either way replace the pump. If you need a visual, just picture that old fan that you grew up with. When you turned the switch on in the morning, the blades didn't turn but the motor did hum(and get really hot if left alone). But if you just started the blades spinning it would run all day with no problems.

 

[searay ted]

Re: problem with first start of the day

Thanks for the info, Ill try jumping it and or replacing the fuel pump. Could anyone recommend where to purchase a new one?

 

[180shabah]

Re: problem with first start of the day

Test it first - fuel pumps run $150-$300+

iboats sells them, NAPA can get them(most don't keep them in stock)

 

[chiefalen]

Re: problem with first start of the day

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=279911

Are you starting it this way give it a read.

 

[bigbob_FTW]

Re: problem with first start of the day

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=279911

Are you starting it this way give it a read.

You mean like an old woman?

 

[searay ted]

Re: problem with first start of the day

I understand what you are saying about starting the boat. After the first initial start of the day when I have to crack the fuel filter open to start the boat, then tighten the filter. After this first start it fires up in one or two cranks of the engine every time, no matter how long it sits during the day with no pumping whatsoever. Ill check the pump out.

Thanks for the input its greatly appreciated