40hp merc will not start

[dadams258@comcast.net]

I have a 1978 merc 40hp that until yesterday was running fine, now it won't
start. I have plenty of gas the blub pumps gas to the intake tothe engine have spark and plenty of battery it does not seem to be getting gas to the engine. could this be a fuel pump problem or could the input conection be clogged any suggestions?

 

[jebeebe]

Re: 40hp merc will not start

possibles

1 tank vent (loosen cap and try)
2 float stuck in carb (try draining carb and see if there is gas getting in the bowl)
3 Try spraying mixed gas into the carb and see if it will start. This will tell if you are not getting fuel. do not spray starting fluid.
4 Is there forward controls? Check neutral switch or kill switch.

5 does the bulb pump up hard?


If this fails could be stator or coils. not likely they would all burn out at the same time..........................Jerry

 

[dadams258@comcast.net]

Re: 40hp merc will not start

The blub does pump up hard, it does have forward conrols not sure where the kill switch is located or if it has one this is an old pontoon. Will try the spray gas thanks for the suggestion.

 

[jebeebe]

Re: 40hp merc will not start

Mine is on a pontoon also. you should have a neutral switch that kills it if it isn't in neutral. Try wiggleing the shift lever around and see if that makes a difference. Come to think of it I don't know if mine has a kill switch. It is usualy pin with a lanyard hooked to it to fasten on your belt. If you get tossed overboard it kills the motor. There is also a mercury switch mounted on the motor that kills the motor if it is tilted up too far. Don't think that would go bad though. Good luck...........Jerry