1977 Mercruiser 120hp won't start

[pruski]

Ok, so I was given this boat by my wife's grandfather. It has not run in about 7 to 8 years. I started by making sure it would turn over. Replaced points, coil, spark plugs and wires along with the fuel filter. I also changed the oil and oil filter. I know that I am getting spark. The engine still will not start. The only other thing I can think of is that the carborator needs to be rebuilt. Am I missing something else?

 

[boat127]

Re: 1977 Mercruiser 120hp won't start

first get a manual or down load one

then confirm you have spark
confirm you are pumping fuel
how bad is the gas and the tank

i would run it off a remote outboard tank.

probably wouldnt hurt to rebuild the carb since its been sitting that long

i owuld inspect the fuel lines to and the filler lines and vent lines for deteration just to be on the safe side

 

[Don S]

Re: 1977 Mercruiser 120hp won't start

With gas that old, I doubt there is any chance you can get gas through that carb. It's probably all varnished, and corroded.

 

[pruski]

Re: 1977 Mercruiser 120hp won't start

The gas tank had vertually no gas in it. the previous owner would siphon all the gas out before everywinter. I had to put 10 gallons of gas in and now the fuel gauge is reading about 1/3 of a tank.

I did take the fuel line off the fuel pump and turned it over to see if any gas is coming out and it shot out like a fountain. I did replace the fuel filter. It is clear so I can see that there is gas in the fuel filter.

When I turn it over I can see exhaust fumes coming out like it is trying to start but when I let off the key it stops.