Always prime your filters!

[capz]

For the DIYers. I changed my fuel filter yesterday and wanted to save some in a jar to see if water separated. So I poured only half back in the new filter as I didn't have fuel to prime it. The engine then kept stalling shortly after it started. I spent 10 minutes revving before that small amount of air got out of the system. I couldn't find any info on how to bleed the system. Anyone know if Merc engines are self bleeding?
Also, I noticed the oil looked real bad. I thought the marina changed it last season when winterizing. Apparently not. I changed it and put in Quicksilver 25W40. Either that and/or the fuel filter seemed to solve a slow start problem I've been having.

 

[capz]

And I also recommend spending the extra dough for an electric oil change pump. My hand pump takes a looong time to get 7 quarts out.

 

[Bottom Line]

I had a similar issue earlier this year....I learned a lot...

http://www.byowneryachts.com/forums/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=3219

 

[capz]

I'm sure the fuel pump is fine as it wasn't running dry. Letting the gas tank run empty could definitely damage the pump though.
I've changed my car oil for years without priming the filter, until a mechanic told me a few years back to always prime it. I guess on certain engines an air pocket could get trapped in the wrong place and leave parts unlubricated. But I still haven't figured out a way to prime the stupid inverted oil filter on the boat. I don't know what planet the guy who designed that was from!

 

[Asureyez]

Better check for other consequences

By endlessly cranking the engine you may have pumped raw water back up into the cylinders via the exhaust manifold which wasn't blowing the water out with combustion air. When ever you encounter such situations you should crank with the sea cock turned off and immediately (within seconds) after ther engine kicks open that seacock!

Some merc setups have electric fuel pumps that also assist in priming. We do not know what you have, but IF your oil was brownish or appeared to have been over filled, you need to get that old oil out and act fast and get that engine running.

 

[capz]

It wasn't just cranking. It would start right up then stall. I changed the oil with Quicksilver. It started up like a champ. I was in a rush so didn't have time to water test it. I'd like to see if using the recommended oil affects performance and mileage.