This is a follow up from a message I posted on Mar. 5. Thanks for the helpfull information. I had a uncle that works on cars, come over and we tested the compression. Here they are in order from the top to bottom. 1 - 105, 2- 125, 3- 95, 4- 125. So, it looks like a compression problem with the third piston. Also, from the top number to bottom is 30 psi. I have read that it shouldn't be greater than 15 psi. So, should I replace the rings on all 4 pistons? Thanks.
Original message:
Motor is hard to start. This started at the end of last summer. I have drained the gas and replaced, replaced the fuel line/bulb from gas tank to motor, had the carbs rebuilt, replaced a couple of fuel lines on the motor, use new NGK sparkplugs, bought a new cranking battery in January and have it charged. To start the motor, I have to spray starting fluid into the carbs, and it will start. Once it is warm, it will start back up. The longer it sits, say thirty minutes it will take longer to start. I have to push the fast idle all the way up and usually use the choke.
I plan on getting a gauge to check the spark on the plugs. Could I have a compression problem? The plugs will have fuel on them, and there is fuel getting to the carbs. It as if the fuel does not fire.
When the motor is first cranked the boat does not idle well, but after you run down the lake, 3 or 4 minutes, put it in neutral, it will idle. The motor runs smooth.
The starter motor turns well, and does not have a flat spot. Is it possible that a starter does not send enough current?
I looking for help on what would cause the motor to not fire. I need to rule out the starter motor, fuel pump, compression in pistons, and the sparkplug wires/distributor. I use Mercury parts.
I can't buy a new motor, I have 2 kids going to the dentist to get braces. Thanks.
Original message:
Motor is hard to start. This started at the end of last summer. I have drained the gas and replaced, replaced the fuel line/bulb from gas tank to motor, had the carbs rebuilt, replaced a couple of fuel lines on the motor, use new NGK sparkplugs, bought a new cranking battery in January and have it charged. To start the motor, I have to spray starting fluid into the carbs, and it will start. Once it is warm, it will start back up. The longer it sits, say thirty minutes it will take longer to start. I have to push the fast idle all the way up and usually use the choke.
I plan on getting a gauge to check the spark on the plugs. Could I have a compression problem? The plugs will have fuel on them, and there is fuel getting to the carbs. It as if the fuel does not fire.
When the motor is first cranked the boat does not idle well, but after you run down the lake, 3 or 4 minutes, put it in neutral, it will idle. The motor runs smooth.
The starter motor turns well, and does not have a flat spot. Is it possible that a starter does not send enough current?
I looking for help on what would cause the motor to not fire. I need to rule out the starter motor, fuel pump, compression in pistons, and the sparkplug wires/distributor. I use Mercury parts.
I can't buy a new motor, I have 2 kids going to the dentist to get braces. Thanks.
