Mercruiser 3.7 restarting problem

[radupanait]

OK, I finally gave up because everyone seems to have a problem different then mine. I just bought my first boat, mainly for me and my dad, for fishing and boating around. Salt water use mostly. It is a 89 stingray with a 3.7 mercruiser serial 0C609511. Engine starts good every time but, after we stop it its almost impossible to restart it, at first I thought it was the battery, but it wasnt, it did it 3 times right now, it runs great untill you stop it. Its got new spark plugs, and new fuel. No problems while it runs.
Please help. Thanks

 

[ErieRon]

Re: Mercruiser 3.7 restarting problem

I have an '84 Merc. 470 (3.7). I'm not a Tech., but it sounds like a carb/choke issue to me. Could be a lot of other things too, but someone will be along to help. In the meantime, if you haven't already, download this manual and look through the troubleshooting section. I think Manual No. 8 is for your engine.

http://www.4shared.com/dir/18247738/7a15ac6e/Mercruiser_Manuals.html

Good luck.

 

[radupanait]

Re: Mercruiser 3.7 restarting problem

Hmmm, actually that's the one thing I didn't suspect. Why so, seems like the problem only arises when the engine is hot. Figured it must be electric.

 

[Raystownboater]

Re: Mercruiser 3.7 restarting problem

I had the same problems last year with my 1980 228 merc. The problem was traced to bad gas which had required a carb rebuild after running the gas through it several times. After that, new gas in the tank. Now the boat is running strong and fires up everytime you hit the key. (except for a few unrelated issues)

 

[tmoore1]

Re: Mercruiser 3.7 restarting problem

I am having the same kind of issues in a 1994 MIE 5.0L and I replaced the plugs, distributor cap, fuel filter and put sea foam in it and it is slowly starting easier but i believe its because the boat sat for an extended period of time and the gas gums up in the carb because a little starter fluid in the carb will fire it right up with no issues but its really not good to use that all the time its better to fix the issue.

 

[YeboGogo]

Re: Mercruiser 3.7 restarting problem

2 things I would try.

1. Unplug the Choke when trying to restart. If that fixes it maybe its a not set properly.

2. Run a patch cable (with alligator clips) from the battery to the + side of the coil. Does that fix it ? If so you may have a starter relay problem. Make sure you disconnect this wire after its started.


Aside from those 2 ideas I would probably also consider the carb rebuild.