Merc 260 Starting problems

[jrolland]

I just got a 1975 Sea Ray 190. It has a merc 260 but that is not the original engine. I am not sure how long but the boat sat for a while. I think the last time it was registered was in 2000. I thought the fuel pump was bad so I just replaced it.

I am not really sure what the problem could be. I am pretty sure the take was either empty or almost empty. I tried to get a tube in the tank so I could try and siphon any gas that was in there out but I was not successful. The boat will crank but it just won't start. Does anyone have any ideas?

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Merc 260 Starting problems

I would take off the dist. cap and change the points and check for moisture inside the cap.also pull a plug or 2 and see if the electrodes are rusty.
if so,clean or even better,replace.Fuel water seperator should also be replaced.check all wire connections to the coil.Charlie

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Merc 260 Starting problems

The gas is probably bad as well.Do as I said and try some starting fluid in the carb.If you cant drain the gas tank,put some fresh fuel in.Let us know how you make out.Charlie

 

[jrolland]

Re: Merc 260 Starting problems

I would take off the dist. cap and change the points and check for moisture inside the cap.also pull a plug or 2 and see if the electrodes are rusty.
if so,clean or even better,replace.Fuel water seperator should also be replaced.check all wire connections to the coil.Charlie

Thanks for the help! I actually forgot to mention some things. I had the boat at a Marina and they changed the points, rotor and condensor. They told me that the boat ran except it would only run full throttle. They also told me that the fuel pump was bad. So like I said I changed it. I also checked the plugs. They looked bad so I changed them.

When you say the fuel water separator should be replaced do you mean the filter or the whole unit? I was planning on replacing the filter tomorrow when I could get to a marina. All the connections to the coil look good but I will double check them tomorrow.

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Merc 260 Starting problems

There are a few types of seperators.If it looks like an oil filter,change it.If it has a changeable element then it will also have a drain.
do both.Only running at full throttle may be a carb problem.change the filter on the carb too.Charlie

 

[jrolland]

Re: Merc 260 Starting problems

There are a few types of seperators.If it looks like an oil filter,change it.If it has a changeable element then it will also have a drain.
do both.Only running at full throttle may be a carb problem.change the filter on the carb too.Charlie

Yeah I have the one that looks like an oil filter. I was also told that it may be a good idea to rebuild the carb but I don't know the first thing about carbs so I guess I will just have it done. I was also thinking that the fuel lines might be gummed up so I might have to just bite the bullet and replace them as well. I wasn't able to look at it today but my plan is to look at it tomorrow and replace the fuel water filter and the carb filter. I might even replace the lines too.

Oh and I have to replace my trim/tilt pump. Is this something that would be easy for me to do or would I be better off having a pro do it?

If anyone has anymore suggestions please let me know.

 

[jrolland]

Re: Merc 260 Starting problems

It's hard to keep this on the first page.

 

[jrolland]

Re: Merc 260 Starting problems

Bump

 

[Don S]

Re: Merc 260 Starting problems

I just got a 1975 Sea Ray 190. It has a merc 260 but that is not the original engine.

That is not enough information to even start to help you. You will need the Mercriser SN of the 260 to even start to help.
Do you have spark?

And don't even think about using "Starting Fluid" on your engine. That stuff should be outlawed on gas engines. Pour some gas in the carb if you want to prime it, but DO NOT using starting fluid.