New engines and cant get fuel system to prime. Need Advice.

[pjv911]

My boat is a 1998 330 sundancer. The original engines have been replaced with new Mercruiser 383 Scorpion 6.3 engines. These new engines are carbureted and have mechanical fuel pumps.
I have cranked both engines for a minimum total time of 4-5 min (not all at once) each. I have also poured raw fuel down the carb and ran each engine a total of at least 2 min trying to get the system to prime.
Both tanks have 1/2 tank of fuel
Both screw on filters still have fuel inside them and are tightened properly.
I have tried the petcock valves in different configurations.
The odds of both sides being clogged is very unlikely.
Is there a known procedure to get this system primed?
Is this usually an issue?

 

[hottoddie]

I suggest using a remote fuel supply with a hose connected directly to the fuel pump inlet. If still no start then maybe the mechanical pumps are faulty or were installed without the camshaft pushrod that activates the fuel pump. I hope they did not install a camshaft without the lobe that is used the activate the fuel pump. If that is the case then a low pressure electric fuel pump may need to be installed. Good luck.

 

[Sea Ray Mark]

You said you tried the petcock valves. Are you referring to the little round knob on the fuel solenoid that's about the diameter of a pencil? they have a little arrow on them that tells you whether they're on of off.

 

[PlayDate]

I believe your original engines were electronic fuel injected (EFI). Exactly what did they do with the EFI fuel pump? Is it still in place?

The simplest way to test if the line to fuel tank is clear is to disconnect it at the fuel pump and put a suction bulb (outboard motor fuel hose) on it. That should draw fuel thru the line. Make sure that your tank valves are turned on.

At the end of the day....it is something simple......just frustrating to find.

 

[pjv911]

Used an outboard ball pump. Problem solved.

Thanks for the help fellas.