help with 1989 Celebrity Boat (5.7 Mercruiser)

[nrandell]

I'm trying to get an old 1989 Celebrity boat started. I has a new battery and the engine cranks but does not start. Not 100% sure about the fuel level. Also I see a cut off valve with the lever up at the fuel filter. Which way would allow fuel through? Lever up or down and inline with the tube. Thanks and sorry for the noob questions.

 

[dubs283]

The superfluous valve pictured is most likely in the closed/off position. Rotate the handle counter clockwise to open

Guessing the fuel on board is old/bad, like 68 octane bad

 

[nrandell]

The superfluous valve pictured is most likely in the closed/off position. Rotate the handle counter clockwise to open

Guessing the fuel on board is old/bad, like 68 octane bad

thanks! and if the fuel pump is good and the line is open should I see fuel in the filter after cranking for a bit?

 

[dubs283]

If you remove the filter to inspect, yes

If all is sound the engine should run as normal

 

[flashback]

When did it run last? You might screw things up worse if you open that valve..

 

[dubs283]

You might screw things up worse if you open that valve..

Right

Don't open or even abate that valve. It is actually keeping the worms from escaping

 

[flashback]

Right

Don't open or even abate that valve. It is actually keeping the worms from escaping

Yep, you need to clean the tank of worms then you can safely open said valve with confidence...

 

[nrandell]

When did it run last? You might screw things up worse if you open that valve..

it ran for a day about 2 years ago.

 

[flashback]

it ran for a day about 2 years ago.

Any fuel in the tank is likely 68 octane or less, if you open the valve you draw **** into the the fuel system.. clean the tank out.

 

[nrandell]

When did it run last? You might screw things up worse if you open that valve..

If there is fuel in the tank, it's only a couple of gallons that were put in two years ago

 

[flashback]

Not looking for a debate, 2 year old fuel, water , and trash will not be a good thing to introduce to your sleeping motor..

 

[dubs283]

Man, I wish I was where I was two years ago today. Fuel back then was (blow a kiss) goooooood!

But the fuel may be bad now, or it's not. Either way when you open the valve the issues arising may not even be fuel related

 

[nrandell]

thanks for all the replies everyone! So I got a siphon pump and it seemed like the tank was empty as I suspected. I added about a gallon of gas (ethanol free) and cranked it for about 10 seconds a few times with the valve lever in both positions. Did not start and am not seeing any gas in the fuel filter if I unscrew it to inspect. Does anyone have any tips or guides for troubleshooting the fuel pump?

I know I'm a total boat noob, and I really appreciate any advice.

 

[Scott Danforth]

If there is fuel in the tank, it's only a couple of gallons that were put in two years ago

Fuel lasts 12 months from date of distillation max. What you have is varnish