97 sea ray 175 3.0 merc newb won't start

[Nick Pulaski]

Hey all my mother gave me this boat not running I know the plugs wires and fuel filter have been done I took the fuel line off before the carburetor and turned it over it spit fuel for about 2 seconds then nothing any idea of what I should be looking for would be greatly appreciated or where to start

 

[Boater420]

Welcome to CSR!

I'd check to see if there's fuel in the filter and the gas tank. Maybe the filter was spun on dry. Make sure it's filled with fresh fuel and crank it again. How long has the fuel been sitting in the tank? If it's been a year or so you might want to drain the tank and get some new fuel before starting. Make sure the vent for the fuel tank is not obstructed. Sometimes here in FL the mud-dobbers make nests in the opening of the vent. After completing the steps above, crank the engine again, if you see fuel coming out of the line, reattach to the carb.

You don't mention when the last time it was started or run. If it's been quite a while you might want to spray some marvel mystery oil in the top of the cylinders to get some lube on the rings before starting it up. I'd also change the oil in the engine and out-drive before running the engine.

If you're still not getting it to start it's time to check for spark.