Merc 175 XR6 Will not re-start

[Kirk_A]

I am looking at a purchasing a boat that has a 1999 Merc 175 XR6 outboard. The owner says that the engine starts and runs good. When he stops and fishes, it will not restart. After it sits for a while.. an hour... maybe two, it will restart and he can run again. He said that it does not die when he is running down the lake, but it has died when he was idling around and it would not restart. It will spin-spin-spin, but it just will not start.

I have no idea what the problem is. It could be a fuel issue or its not getting a spark. I was hoping that this "might" be a common issue with these engines. Any idea on where to start looking for the culprit? I just don't know if this is a $20 problem or a $2000 problem.

Thanks.

 

[aussieflash]

Could be a lot of things.First thing I would check if its flooding from either stuck needle in carb or faulty choke solenoid that is stuck open.Also check all fuel lines for cracks or blockages.
Then again that might be difficult seing you dont own it yet.