trouble starting , plus general questions

[waker breaker]

Hi,and sorry for the newbe type questions. First the boat specs 1976 sea star 260 chevy straight six ,mercruiser outdrive, dont know alpha 1 or 2 or what. Problem were having is just wont start, we have changed oil both in engine and lower unit, new plugs and points gaped per spec. New ditributer cap , new plug wires, new coil, new fuel pump. We get spark and also see fuel in carb,motor will crank and act like it wants to start but seems like its not getting fuel.I did notice gas in fuel filter was green looking so we drained out old fuel and put in fresh gas still no luck. No leaks of water or oil in bildge or anywhere, tried spraying a dash of starting fluid in carb to help start no dice. any sugeestions feel free , we dont want to take it to dealer and overpay in service fees, also how can i tell what type of outdrive do i have, and also I read about a water fuel seperator but cant seem to find it on this motor, i replaced the oil filter with a regular type one which was previously on the motor, again thx in advance and sorryh for the length of this post, tring to give as much info as poss.

 

[Mahoney]

Re: trouble starting , plus general questions

I would double check your plug wires and that your #1 is at top dead center, and not 180 degrees off. If starter fluid would not get it to at least pick up for a second, and your starter is cranking it should.(i would just use a few tablespoons of fresh gas in the future) a lot of posters here do not recommend the use of starting fluid.

 

[chaddeems]

Re: trouble starting , plus general questions

Check for compression.