does not want to start

[s13drifter]

I have a 1997 starcraft with a 3.0lx mercruiser. I was out on the lake and it started up fine. I had the boat going about 30mph and ran fine. I stopped to do a little fishing and when I go to start the boat it doesn't want to start. I crank it and it tries but no go. I get home and start playing with the motor. I'm getting spark and also fuel. I took off the dist. cap and the rotor is on no. 1. I'm stumped and can't figure this out. Much help would be great. I just don't understand how it was running fine and stop for 30 min to fish and it won't start back up again.

 

[s13drifter]

Re: does not want to start

And also on the number one cylinder that is the furthest to the rear of the boat?

 

[Don S]

Re: does not want to start

#1 is on the front of the engine, furthest from flywheel.

Did the engine turn over ok? Did you pull the spark plugs and check for water in the cylinders?

 

[s13drifter]

Re: does not want to start

yea its turning over fine. it was sputtering to start but now not even doing that. i did check spark plugs and there is NO water.

 

[Don S]

Re: does not want to start

When you checked the spark, was it a bright blue spark that would jump about 3/8 to 1/2" gap? Are you sure you are getting gas and not water? Try pouring a few tablespoons of gas into the carb and see if it will fire.

 

[s13drifter]

Re: does not want to start

Yes it does a good spark gap. The last two cylinders and getting a good amount of fuel but the front two don't seem to be getting much. i did try gas in the carb but it didn't work

 

[IES99]

Re: does not want to start

Having had a similar issue, I'd advise checking the fuel filter (the small one at the end of the fuel line near the carb) for junk. It's easy to check and I had the same symptoms as you. I hope the problem is so simple as that for you.

 

[s13drifter]

Re: does not want to start

I did also check that fuel filter out. I cleaned it and nothing has changed. I was really hoping it was something as simple as that but still having no luck.

 

[Brentathon]

Re: does not want to start

I had a spark issue........was cutting out occasionally, and it turned out to be the "sensor assy" on the distributor.......... it was acting up.

 

[cr2k]

Re: does not want to start

If he has the good spark he sez and gas in the carb didn't work he probably has other problems.

Try a compression check. That will tell us a bunch.

Are you sure the plug wires are on the correct plugs and the distributor is installed and timed right?

 

[s13drifter]

Re: does not want to start

it does have good spark. it shocked me pretty good and the arc was plenty long. I will try the compression test. And also one thing the no.1 plug isn't getting fuel its dry not like the rest of the plugs. The wires should be right cause it was running real good. Maybe timing jumped on me? I have no idea. I did just order a new cap and rotor cause mine looked a little corroded. But i'm stumped and i will try and get compression numbers for you guys.

 

[6meter]

Re: does not want to start

Could be that you got too much fuel in cyl #2,3 &4 and flooded it. #1 is getting fuel but burning it. Thats why it's dry. Make sure your oil isn't full of fuel.

 

[s13drifter]

Re: does not want to start

My cousin came by and checked out the motor. He said the carb wasn't running correctly and thats why is was flooding. I ordered a new kit so hopefully it fixes the problem. I work at a carquest so I the cap, rotor, and ignition module in and matched everything up. That should be ok right eventho its not "marine" parts?