2001 Mercury 90hp 2 stroke wont start / idle

[Erikoski]

Hi everyone looking for some help on a 90hp 2 stroke outboard, quick history pontoon boat was bought used late last year, started fine on land took out on water, while on water for about 15 min crusing the engine just cut out, was stuck for about 10 min messing with things etc and trying to get it to start all of a sudden got it started and brought back to dock.

since then the boat wont start on its own and idle, the following has been changed out,
-kill switch
-choke verified working
-plugs replaced
-fuel filter replaced
-carb checked and cleaned

i am able to start it on starter fluid and when it runs out of that juice it dies. not sure what the issue is, my next apprach will be the fuel pump and then im out of ideas

any tips or help from yall would be appreciated

thanks in advance

 

[merc850]

Don't use starter fluid in that motor, use gas at 50:1 oil mix; replace the fuel pump diaphragm for your first fix. Are you pumping the fuel bulb to prime the carbs?

 

[Erikoski]

Don't use starter fluid in that motor, use gas at 50:1 oil mix; replace the fuel pump diaphragm for your first fix. Are you pumping the fuel bulb to prime the carbs?

noted, and i will replace the fuel pump, and yes i am pumping the fuel bulb to prime the carbs

 

[merc850]

When I'm checking an engine for fuel in the carbs I tilt the engine all the way up to the tilt limit then pump the bulb, fuel should run out of the carbs - if it does I tilt it back down and start it.

 

[Erikoski]

When I'm checking an engine for fuel in the carbs I tilt the engine all the way up to the tilt limit then pump the bulb, fuel should run out of the carbs - if it does I tilt it back down and start it.

i think i experienced this yesterday unintentionally and it ran for a few seconds on its own, leaning towards it hopefully being the fuel pump

 

[racerone]

Are you pushing the key in WHILE cranking it over for a cold start ?

 

[Erikoski]

Are you pushing the key in WHILE cranking it over for a cold start ?

Yes I am

 

[flyingscott]

Keep pumping the primer ball and see if it keeps running.

 

[Erikoski]

Keep pumping the primer ball and see if it keeps running.

will try this when the new fuel pump comes in (if it doesnt work)

 

[QBhoy]

Hi. Open the carb drain screws and pump the fuel priming bulb. If there isn’t fuel coming out..it will tell you a story. Perhaps one that says you have the fuel line and primer going the wrong direction…best case scenario