starting problem

[riley4]

OK, I bought a boat late last fall on ebay and it has a 5.7L mercruiser in it. I winterized it right after purchase and now am just getting a chance to use it and I can't get it started. It is an '86 and probably hasn't run since last August or so, but the previous owner assured me that it ran strong. The engine cranks well but I can't get it to fire and have tried starting fluid without success. What should be my next step? Any advice will be appreciated. Thanks

 

[rndn]

Re: starting problem

If starting fluid did not even get it to go for a few seconds, then it sounds like you don't have a spark. Pull a spark plug wire and test it to see if you're getting a spark. Be careful as they do bite!

 

[Silvertip]

Re: starting problem

Jiggle the throttle lever to make sure the neutral start switch is active and then make sure one of the little helpers (kids) in the family didn't pull the kill switch lanyard (if it has one). If those two items check out, I agree that spark is the issue. Lastly "you bought a boat and didn't hear it run?" That's awful trusting and I hope you bought it cheap.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: starting problem

If the boat cranks, you don't have to worry about the neutral start switch.

 

[Fishermark]

Re: starting problem

If it has points, they may be glazed over. Try a new set. In fact, since this is a "new to you" boat you ought to give it a full tune up, fluids change, and a new impeller. check the alignment as you reinstall the outdrive and you are good to go!

 

[Bondo]

Re: starting problem

Ayuh,.....

It takes Fuel, Fire,+ Compression,.. At the Right Time, to make a motor Run.....

You're Missing 1 of them......

Until You tell Us which 1 is Missing,..... There's Not much We can do.....

 

[riley4]

Re: starting problem

Thanks for all the advice. It turns out, one of the "first mates" (kids) must have flipped the safety cutoff switch to off. I flipped it back to "run" and it started right up and seems to run fine. Looks like I lucked out so far on this one.