97 Mercruiser 260 hard to start after running

J

John Merris

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I have a 1997 260 Mercruiser that runs rough at idle and is hard to get started after it has run. I have changed the fuel filter and changed the spark plugs and still have the same problem. I was thinking maybe the coil is getting to hot. I am open to any suggestions. Engine model is MCM 5.7 litre LX s/n #OK039555
 
Bondo

Bondo

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Re: 97 Mercruiser 260 hard to start after running

John Merris said:
I have a 1997 260 Mercruiser that runs rough at idle and is hard to get started after it has run. I have changed the fuel filter and changed the spark plugs and still have the same problem. I was thinking maybe the coil is getting to hot. I am open to any suggestions. Engine model is MCM 5.7 litre LX s/n #OK039555
Click to expand...

Ayuh,... Welcome Aboard,... Was there any water or crud in the fuel filter,..??

How long has it been since it was given a Full, 'n Complete Tune Up,..??
 
Silvertip

Silvertip

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Re: 97 Mercruiser 260 hard to start after running

If this is a carbureted engine when you shut it down after a hard run, quickly pop the cover, remove the flame arrester and look down the carb. If you see fuel dribbling, you need a rebuild. If that is not the issue, be sure to let the engine run a minute or two before shutting down. When time to restart, open the throttle to give the engine some air.
 
J

John Merris

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Re: 97 Mercruiser 260 hard to start after running

Bond-o said:
Ayuh,... Welcome Aboard,... Was there any water or crud in the fuel filter,..??

How long has it been since it was given a Full, 'n Complete Tune Up,..??
Click to expand...

There was a small amount of water. I had just filled the tank at a local marina that I have been using for years without any trouble. The engine started knocking similar to the noise you would hear in your car when you get bad fuel. The first thing I did when I got back to the marina was to change the fuel filter. I do a complete tune up every spring.
 
J

John Merris

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Sep 20, 2012
Messages
4
Re: 97 Mercruiser 260 hard to start after running

Silvertip said:
If this is a carbureted engine when you shut it down after a hard run, quickly pop the cover, remove the flame arrester and look down the carb. If you see fuel dribbling, you need a rebuild. If that is not the issue, be sure to let the engine run a minute or two before shutting down. When time to restart, open the throttle to give the engine some air.
Click to expand...

I will run the boat this weekend and check the carbureter to see if it is dripping. I normally let the engine run for several minutes at idle before I shut it down.
 
J

John Merris

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Re: 97 Mercruiser 260 hard to start after running

I noticed that the coil had what looked like grease flowing down the sides so I bought a new OEM coil and installed it. The engine starts and runs great now. I did check to see if the carb was dripping fuel and is was not. I believe that a combination of things happened all at once which caused my greif. I am a happy boater again.
 
Bondo

Bondo

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Re: 97 Mercruiser 260 hard to start after running

John Merris said:
I noticed that the coil had what looked like grease flowing down the sides so I bought a new OEM coil and installed it. The engine starts and runs great now. I did check to see if the carb was dripping fuel and is was not. I believe that a combination of things happened all at once which caused my greif. I am a happy boater again.
Click to expand...

Ayuh,.... Thanks for the update,... ;)
 
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