saltwater_cowboy
Seaman Apprentice
- Joined
- Mar 27, 2005
- Messages
- 32
Hi,<br /><br />New to this outboard game, more used to inboards but helping a friend with his newly purchased boat.<br />Circa 1988 3 cylinder 80HP merc. Has stood for 3 years un used.<br />Starts up ok but stalls when you give it some thottle.<br />Had it ticking over in the water today for approx 40 mins or so but the engine was still stone cold. Not even a slight bit of warmth from the block.<br /><br />Fitted a new impellor before we tested it and tell tale streams water fine.<br /><br />Think I have narrowed down the poor running to it being fuel starvation as if I pull the fuel enrich button (The solenoid type thingy on the engine with fuel lines going to it) it will rev but without it just stalls. Anyhow I'm going to pull the carbs and check the floats and also inspect the fuel pump. I guess its a diapham type and could havve perished. I also fitted a new bulb primer before the water test so its not that.<br /><br />What I really need help with is why it hasn't warmed up. I pulled the thermostart and it was in the closed position, not stuck open but when i dipped it in hot water it only opened a bit. I then proceeded to swap it from hot to cold and after a few swaps it was opening fully. Therefore the only thing I can think is it was stuck in the open position and causing the engine to run cold. The water temp in the UK is also very cold at the moment (about 40 degrees) but I doubt this would affect it so much.<br /><br />Looking forward to your advice.<br /><br />Jay