Is this a possibility? Please take a look. Alpha one

[TheRubberDuck]

I don't know boats/engines/sterndrives so tell me if I'm an idiot or if this is possible please.
So, i incorrectly installed my lower unit. The gears are not aligned properly so the prop is clicking both ways when turned by hand. Anyway I tried to start the boat for the first time since fall 2017. (Mercruiser alpha one gen 1). The shifter was way, way tighter due to the misaligned shift gear, i assume. So, it tried to start it and got one "engine turn with combustion" then nothing. I tried priming it by pumping the throttle twice and it ran for about 2 or 3 seconds but I turned the ignition off at that moment (long story). I spent hours trying to get combustion after that with nothing. WHAT IM WONDERING IS: is it possible that the forceful pumping of the throttle triggered the 'shift interrupter switch' and that is why my engine will readily turn over but I'm getting absolutely no combustion? Keep in mind I'm starting it in neutral and not playing with the throttle. Is that even a thing? I'm clueless. Please advise.

FYI: new fuel, new fuel/water separator filled with fuel. And I've been advised to NOT TRY STARTING IT until I get the lower unit and gears properly aligned but I'd like a diagnosis before I get back to it next weekend. Thanks

 

[tank1949]

u have a male/female keyway that can only turn (if my memory is correct) 90 degree arc. U have 45 for fwd and 45 for reverse. It aint much!!!!! Neutral is in the middle. u will have to get upside down and look up into the upper/lower unit. It is there. Look for it! U will also need a friend to move shifter/throttle through fwd, neutral and reverse while u watch keyway. If operating correctly, the interrupt arm is spring loaded but to test motor for now, you can disconnect wires going to ignition to fire up motor. If sat since 2017, u should have used a distributor tool to prime oil pump. Once shifter is adjusted, make sure that you are getting fuel. 2017 old fuel. It may have sludged pickup screen in tank. Make sure you are getting good clean fuel. Disconnect carb fuel line and aim it into a bucket and have friend crank motor. I assume manual FP??? If no fuel, I suspect pick up is plugged or bad FP. A lot of crap can go wrong while sitting!

 

[TheRubberDuck]

u have a male/female keyway that can only turn (if my memory is correct) 90 degree arc. U have 45 for fwd and 45 for reverse. It aint much!!!!! Neutral is in the middle. u will have to get upside down and look up into the upper/lower unit. It is there. Look for it! U will also need a friend to move shifter/throttle through fwd, neutral and reverse while u watch keyway. If operating correctly, the interrupt arm is spring loaded but to test motor for now, you can disconnect wires going to ignition to fire up motor. If sat since 2017, u should have used a distributor tool to prime oil pump. Once shifter is adjusted, make sure that you are getting fuel. 2017 old fuel. It may have sludged pickup screen in tank. Make sure you are getting good clean fuel. Disconnect carb fuel line and aim it into a bucket and have friend crank motor. I assume manual FP??? If no fuel, I suspect pick up is plugged or bad FP. A lot of crap can go wrong while sitting!

This is all great information. Thanks for taking the time. I pumped all 25 gallons of old gas out and put in 10 new. Plus added new fuel into the new fuel filter.
I'll definitely look into the 'distributor tool' to prime the oil pump (I'm completely clueless there). I know oil levels were good and I plan to change it as soon as I get it warmed up. I will correctly reinstall lower unit before anything else.
It's just odd to me that on basically the 3rd crank I got it started for a couple seconds and then nothing. I'd say you're on to something in saying it could be bad fuel pump or clog. If that's the case I probably just burnt the fuel that was already there and can't get more.
Oh, I put the fuel filter in bone dry and 2 weeks later added fresh fuel but to my surprise an inch or 2 of fuel had accumulated. So I know fuel is freely moving in some areas. Sorry for long winded reply. I think too much

 

[achris]

What engine and drive? Year and model please. Serial numbers if you have them.

 

[TheRubberDuck]

What engine and drive? Year and model please. Serial numbers if you have them.

It's a mercrusier alpha one gen one. 5.0 v8. Thanks
1990 sea ray. I'm not sure about the drive other than its also mercrusier

 

[Lancer76]

It would benefit everyone if you read this and then ask your questions.

How To Ask A Question ,this is in the Adults Only Section

Wink Please Read This Before Posting A Question In this forum, we do not need to know what type boat you have, we need to know the following to answer your questions with any kind of specific information. 1. Engine year, make, type, Full Model number, or a serial number if possible...

forums.iboats.com

 

[achris]

..1990 sea ray...

We don't care about the boat. My boat is a 1972 Bertram. The engine is neither 1972 nor Bertram.

..I'm not sure about the drive other than its also mercrusier

If you don't know what the drive is, then use this post to identify it.
Drive Ident and other information (scroll down a far bit to see thew different drives.)

Or just go outside and read the serial numbers and use this post.
Drives by serial number (again., scroll down to see the serial number groupings)

Or, if you really couldn't be bothered with all that reading, just post them here and we can look them up. Not sure where to find the serial numbers? Read this post...
Where are the serial numbers

Chris.........

 

[TheRubberDuck]

We don't care about the boat. My boat is a 1972 Bertram. The engine is neither 1972 nor Bertram.


If you don't know what the drive is, then use this post to identify it.
Drive Ident and other information (scroll down a far bit to see thew different drives.)

Or just go outside and read the serial numbers and use this post.
Drives by serial number (again., scroll down to see the serial number groupings)

Or, if you really couldn't be bothered with all that reading, just post them here and we can look them up. Not sure where to find the serial numbers? Read this post...
Where are the serial numbers

Chris.........

I will provide the specific information about the drive and the rest on Friday when I'm back at the boat.
Thank you. I'll provide all the information then. I appreciate your help

 

[tank1949]

I will provide the specific information about the drive and the rest on Friday when I'm back at the boat.
Thank you. I'll provide all the information then. I appreciate your help

Unfortunately, used boats and motor swaps and OD swaps happen over decades. I still have not been able to clearly see my engine serial numbers and if I can find it, I suspect that it is an auto marine conversion. Mine is a 1986.