Mercruiser 165 Inline 6 Fuel Pump

Still trying to get my Mercruiser 165 Inline 6 started, have put new plugs, plug wires, distbuter cap, rotor, condenser, rewired and put in new ignition switch, all new fuel lines, new Racor Fuel Water Separator and new solenoid switch. Bought a new battery last year, which I stored out of boat in warm dry place. Keep running the battery down trying to start the engine. She will try to start, but found out she is not getting gas. I did prime the Racor. I do have an old mechanical fuel pump. I did not see gas coming out of the carb so I took the fuel line off from the pump and no fuel in the line. While turning the engine, no gas coming out of the fuel pump. So I just need to have some confirmation from someone smarter than I am to tell me that I need a new fuel pump, or could something else be the problem, I do have about 3 gallons of new clean gas in the tank, is that enough gas after all new lines and water separator installed? Also, should the battery run down so quickly after about 6 to 8 good cranks of the engine?

Thanks,

Dianne

Re: Mercruiser 165 Inline 6 Fuel Pump

I did prime the Racor. I do have an old mechanical fuel pump. I did not see gas coming out of the carb so I took the fuel line off from the pump and no fuel in the line. While turning the engine, no gas coming out of the fuel pump. So I just need to have some confirmation from someone smarter than I am to tell me that I need a new fuel pump, or could something else be the problem, I do have about 3 gallons of new clean gas in the tank, is that enough gas after all new lines and water separator installed? Also, should the battery run down so quickly after about 6 to 8 good cranks of the engine?

Click to expand...

Ayuh,... Plumb a remote fuel tank directly to the fuelpump, 'n see if it pumps fuel...
If it Don't, it might have a filter inside it, not sure on your's...
Otherwise, ya replace it...
3gal.s in a tank, may, or maynot be enough...
Donno how big it is, or how clean...

I'd think yer battery should be lasting longer,...
Do you have a charger for it,..??

Re: Mercruiser 165 Inline 6 Fuel Pump

My fuel pump does not have a filter. Tank holds about 15 to 19 gallons, and gas is clean. Siphoned and put cleaner in tank weeks ago. As far as the battery goes, had Advance Auto charge it, but still not lasting. So what do ya think ?

Re: Mercruiser 165 Inline 6 Fuel Pump

You need to get fuel to the pump before cranking.Gravity,primer ball,suction,whatever. Get definite fuel coming out the pump intake line then reconnect it to pump. THEN crack open the line on outlet side of fuel pump and see if fuel is there when you crank. Be very careful not to get fuel spraying around wildly when you do this,.Take fire precautions....Those mechanical pumps can fail but its usually something else. You need enough fuel primed to carb so that accelerator pump squirts fuel when you jazz throttle.Anything less and youre wasting your time.
In a case like yours Id temporarily hook up an outboard primer ball before pump,prime whole system,get the above squirting happening,then try her. It should run for a bit even if pump is defective, and even then you should be able to keep it going by squeezing bulb. Take bulb out of system when youve solved prob.

As to battery etc.,depends on what you mean by 6 to 8 good cranks. For sure one charging is not enough. If it got weak after cranking,it needs charging again.Get your own charger my advice.
good luck.

Re: Mercruiser 165 Inline 6 Fuel Pump

Thank you... I will will obtain a primer and try what you advised...think I will return this battery and try another that will hold a charge better.