won't start 1974 Merc Cruiser 140hp

[brownhunter]

points are good, gaps good, plugs are good, getting spark. hasnt run in a year, sprayed starting fluid in carb and in plug holes and nothing.

whats the deal?

 

[thunderroad]

Re: won't start 1974 Merc Cruiser 140hp

Starting fluid is never a great idea, but worse yet on an engine that hasn't been run in a while.
As for the problem...you gotta have air, fuel, spark, compression and timing to make one run. Air is no doubt ok and if you have spark at the plugs, I'd start checking off the other three. Maybe a little gasoline down the carb (with spark arrestor reinstalled) to see if it will hit, then go from there.

 

[brownhunter]

Re: won't start 1974 Merc Cruiser 140hp

no starting fluild? we've had the boat for 6 years and starting fluid has always gotten it to start right up when its being troublsome. thanks i''ll try the other 3, but how would the timing get off just by sitting around?

 

[Bondo]

Re: won't start 1974 Merc Cruiser 140hp

we've had the boat for 6 years and starting fluid has always gotten it to start right up when its being troublsome.

Ayuh,....

If you did a Full,+ Complete Tune Up, Annually,.... It might Start....

If by chance it Is getting Spark,.... How about Fuel,..??..??

 

[brownhunter]

Re: won't start 1974 Merc Cruiser 140hp

we only use the boat a few times a yr. could it be the coil? reguradless if its getting fuel, it should at least start just by spraying starting fluid then die if there is no fuel afterwards. but it wont start at all.

 

[Bondo]

Re: won't start 1974 Merc Cruiser 140hp

Donno,.... You said,...

points are good, gaps good, plugs are good, getting spark.

If you're getting Spark,... The Igntion system seems to be working...

 

[chiefalen]

Re: won't start 1974 Merc Cruiser 140hp

Easy Does it were only trying to help.

Lets try a few things:
1-Clean out the fuel filter in the fitting at the carb.
2-Clean the fuel filter in the fuel pump.
3-Is the vent clear for the tank?
4-Is the check valve on top of the tank good? Take it off and blow thru it.

If all good than try to start it. First pump the throttle 2-3 times.

If it still don't start: Bring a bucket of gas on the boat and place the fuel hose in it.

Try to start it again.

No start: Carb rebuild, fuel pump bad, check fuel pump pressure, should be 4-6 pounds.

good luck keep us posted. PS a full tune up wouldn't hurt before you start looking elsewhere.

 

[brownhunter]

Re: won't start 1974 Merc Cruiser 140hp

it was the battery, thought it says it fully charged it wasnt producing enough cranking amps, so i'm getting a new one. we had to jump it to start the boat.