advice - Engine cranks but no start

[capt_jack]

Hey guys soo taking the boat out for the first time this season tomorrow, i just tried to start it up and it sits there cranking all day long but the damn thing just wont start. It's been sitting for 4-6 months in my garage.

Can anyone give me some ideas?

GREATLY appreciated!

2007 185 sport, 4.3L merc with only about 31 hours on it.

 

[Quint4]

Not sure if it will even turn over without the kill switch/lanyard properly seated...but it might, check it. Next I suppose I would pull a spark plug boot and see If I could get a spark by grounding it while attempting to start....the standard "don't blow yourself up" precautions apply here. After that I would move on to the fuel system.....fuel pump running during start attempts?

 

[ghuskin]

Did you replace the fuel separator? If so, did you fill it with fuel prior to install? or leave it empty? If empty, they take a long time to fill by cranking. Maybe the old one is still on, and there's water in there?

 

[ABarnaby]

Check for spark first and also check the condition of the plugs. Check for fuel pressure and filter.

 

[ZZ13]

I started my 3.0L 175 Sport every 2 months this past winter (end of Oct, end of Dec, end of Feb). Each time I had to prime it by pushing the throttle full open then closed 4-6 times and then setting it at half throttle when turning the key. It started right up each time that way. I figured this out from reading up on cold starts after I first tried just turning the key without doing anything - then it just cranked forever and wouldn't start. I know this is captain obvious stuff, but in case you weren't already doing this...

 

[sprink56]

Given your rig is a 2007 model, I'm guesing that it's fuel injected and all functions of ignition and fuel are computer controlled.

With that understanding, there is not much you can do other than put an analyzer on it and see what the trouble codes are.

If it's a carbureted model, you may have gumed up gas in the fuel bowl causing a disruption of fuel flow. If you are mechanically inclined, the easy fix is to take the carb off, disassemble, clean, re-assemble and re-install.

If you last filled the tank with gasoline/ethanol mix and the boat has been sitting for several months, there is a good chance that the fuel has de-stabilized. You might get it to run by pumping the right additives through the system but you may end up draining all of the old gasoline out of the tank.

Remember...if gasoline, spark and air get to the same place at the same time...it has to run.:thumbsup:

Good Luck,

John F

 

[endless seas]

Do you have a fuel on and off switch?

 

[capt_jack]

I messed with it for a bit but my neighbors a marine tech so im handing it off to him. The easy fixes I usually try like pumping the throttle a few times etc diddnt seem to workout in my favor. I will let ya guys know what it was though!

 

[Lazy Daze]

Davic mentioned the kill switch.. did you check that? That's the most common reason we come across at the store.

 

[capt_jack]

Yeah, kill switch is fine. Its something with the fuel injectors when you rev up it dies off but if you rev up slowly it will run. oh well, should be fixed shortly! oh on that note we got it started, it wasnt getting fuel initially lol

 

[Lazy Daze]

Yeah, kill switch is fine. Its something with the fuel injectors when you rev up it dies off but if you rev up slowly it will run. oh well, should be fixed shortly! oh on that note we got it started, it wasnt getting fuel initially lol

OK, gotcha. Sometimes we tend to overlook the obvious stuff, you know? Or, is that just me that does that? :lol:

 

[cyc boater]

Dennis your not the only one, the 210 Sundeck has a kill switch. The other boats I've owned through my 30 plus years of power boating didn't so when it wouldn't start last weekend I made plans to have it towed to the local marine mechanic for $100 and have them work on the carburetor. That is until someone asked if I checked the kill switch. The light finally went on! That was it, $100 plus saved! Boy talk about feeling stupid. Lesson well learned.
Ralph
CYC Boater