Engine won't start

[Boat freedom]

Engine won't start. I think I over pumped it. Gas is getting to the carburator, but no sign of spark. I read in a few threads that to clear out a flood you had to open the throttle all the way while cranking. Problem is, it only allows cranking in neutral, so is there another way to release the extra gas in carburator or will it dry overnight? Does anyone have a similar problem with the 94 Merc 3.0?

 

[Lazy Daze]

Why do you say "no sign of spark"? Did you check for spark, or are you guessing? "Over pumping" has no effect on spark.

If I am reading your info correctly, you are "pumping" wrong. It sounds like you are putting it into gear to do that. You need to disengage the shifting action and only operate the throttle. Depending on the control you have, you either push the big button at the bottom or pull the control out.

 

[MonacoMike]

I agree with Dennis, doesn't sound like you are engaging the neutral lock out so you can pump without shifting. Is there a button in the middle of the base? My boats have either a round or square button in the middle of the base of the shifter.

MM

 

[Boat freedom]

When I said no sign of spark, I meant no sputter as if it's trying to start. Maybe wet plugs? I'm new to boating, so forgive my terminology.

Why do you say "no sign of spark"? Did you check for spark, or are you guessing? "Over pumping" has no effect on spark.

If I am reading your info correctly, you are "pumping" wrong. It sounds like you are putting it into gear to do that. You need to disengage the shifting action and only operate the throttle. Depending on the control you have, you either push the big button at the bottom or pull the control out.

Thanks. Let me try this. My first boat.

 

[Brandon185]

Did you make sure the kill switch is on run. I've done it before

 

[MonacoMike]

Did you make sure the kill switch is on run. I've done it before

Me too, good suggestion.

MM

 

[Boat freedom]

Yes. Switch is on. I too made that mistake first time starting it 2 weeks ago. Now, I wish it was only that easy! I'll crank it again tonight after giving it a day to sit. It's on level ground now... I wonder if having the boat bow up and leaning left (It was on an incline in my backyard) had anything to do with it.

 

[Lazy Daze]

All carb'd engines tend to have their own way that they like to start... one pump... two pumps... full pumps... half pumps... keep the throttle slightly elevated... etc, etc. Carb may need a cleaning/adjustment, too.

 

[MonacoMike]

My Monaco and 270 will only start their own way when cold after sitting a few days and not vice-versa. The Monaco wants fast pumping of the throttle and she starts right up. The 270 wants 3 pumps, then fire the ignition and crank while pumping slowly, takes like 7-10 pumps. Forget and pump fast like the other boat and she will never start.

MM

 

[Boat freedom]

I agree with Dennis, doesn't sound like you are engaging the neutral lock out so you can pump without shifting. Is there a button in the middle of the base? My boats have either a round or square button in the middle of the base of the shifter.

MM

There's a red tab that has to be depressed to be able to move the lever all the way forward. With red tab depressed or not, engine still won't start. It has to be in neutral only for ignition to work. I don't understand because the manual says to clear a flood to start it with lever all the way forward, and then once started, bring it back quickly to lower rpms to 1500..ma may the Quicksilver lever has a safety switch that only allows for starting in neutral only. I'm about to just unscrew the fuel line and try to manually drain/dry the excess gas.

 

[Espos4]

Can you post a picture of your throttle lever at the helm?

 

[Bt Doctur]

There is a throttle only button on the handel, you either push the button in for throttle only or you pull the handel outward for throttle only. The tab you speak of is a control release , prevents you from accidently shifting into gear.

I'm about to just unscrew the fuel line and try to manually drain/dry the excess gas.

carbs dont work that way either

 

[MonacoMike]

There is a throttle only button on the handel, you either push the button in for throttle only or you pull the handel outward for throttle only. The tab you speak of is a control release , prevents you from accidently shifting into gear.

I'm about to just unscrew the fuel line and try to manually drain/dry the excess gas.

carbs dont work that way either

Yes, post a photo. We can tell you in seconds how to use throttle only button. Yes there is a neutral safety, but the throttle only button by passes that.

MM

 

[Boat freedom]

There is a throttle only button on the handel, you either push the button in for throttle only or you pull the handel outward for throttle only. The tab you speak of is a control release , prevents you from accidently shifting into gear.

I'm about to just unscrew the fuel line and try to manually drain/dry the excess gas.

carbs dont work that way either

Plugs are wet and carb does not seem to be drying. Heavy fresh gas smell.

 

[Boat freedom]

Yes, post a photo. We can tell you in seconds how to use throttle only button. Yes there is a neutral safety, but the throttle only button by passes that.

MM

I did press the throttle only button, but did not do anything. Is this an electronic pump on the front of carb? I'll post some pics tonight. A bit frustrated..just spent 6 weeks rebuilding half the deck and want to get a good run in before winterizing and before lake starts icing over.

 

[Boat freedom]

Yes, post a photo. We can tell you in seconds how to use throttle only button. Yes there is a neutral safety, but the throttle only button by passes that.

MM

Oh, so I need to hold throttle only button in while lever all the way forward? I was pushing throttle only button in neutral.

 

[Lazy Daze]

You can't just "push" the throttle only button. You have to push the throttle only button in (and hold), then "shift" forward. But, let's back up because it seems like you're going all over the place without understanding.

The "throttle only" button at the base of the control (where it pivots) is also referred to as a "shift disengage" button. It disengages the shifting action and only throttle works when you move the lever forwards or backwards. Once you do that, and get the control to the first detent, you can let go of the shift disengage button and operate the control in "throttle only mode". Once you bring it back to the neutral setting, everything resets.

Do this while looking at the shift/throttle linkages on the engine - it'll make more sense and you'll understand better how things work.

 

[Boat freedom]

You can't just "push" the throttle only button. You have to push the throttle only button in (and hold), then "shift" forward. But, let's back up because it seems like you're going all over the place without understanding.

The "throttle only" button at the base of the control (where it pivots) is also referred to as a "shift disengage" button. It disengages the shifting action and only throttle works when you move the lever forwards or backwards. Once you do that, and get the control to the first detent, you can let go of the shift disengage button and operate the control in "throttle only mode". Once you bring it back to the neutral setting, everything resets.

Do this while looking at the shift/throttle linkages on the engine - it'll make more sense and you'll understand better how things work.

Got it. That makes sense. I'll try tonight.

 

[MonacoMike]

Dennis said it like the pro he is, I'll say it like I would need it told to me.

The button in the middle of the base, push it and then the throttle will move forward without being in gear. You can then pump the throttle as long as you do not go so far back it locks into neutral again. After doing this a couple of times it will be natural.

Do you smell gas when you open the engine cover?

MM

 

[Boat freedom]

Dennis said it like the pro he is, I'll say it like I would need it told to me.

The button in the middle of the base, push it and then the throttle will move forward without being in gear. You can then pump the throttle as long as you do not go so far back it locks into neutral again. After doing this a couple of times it will be natural.

Do you smell gas when you open the engine cover?

MM