Glastron GX 185 SF
Cadet
- Joined
- Jul 27, 2015
- Messages
- 7
Mercruiser 4.3 LH problems starting & running plus carb conversion to Edekcrock 1409
I'm new to boating and this is my first post so please go easy. Not sure if I should break my post into two separate ones but for now I'll keep them together.
I purchased a 2001 Glastron GX 185 SF last year. Engine - Mercruiser MCM 4.3 LH 262 CID. The boat had issues running so the seller had it brought to a local dealer to get running. At the time I was told it was just bad gas and the dealer cleaned the carbs. I was also told that I would likely need to advance the throttle a few times to get the engine to start. That seemed to work for the dozen times we used the boat last year. We did experience a good lag in initial throttle response when going from a stop of slow speed to WOT.
So this year we took the boat out still experienced the same lag in the throttle. We figured we would look into it some more but found ourselves bobbing on the broad lake when we tried to go to WOT from a stop. I was waiting for the lag but the boat just fell on it's face and would never restart. Good thing I was out with a someone who was able to tow me back.
I started with the fuel filter. The fuel looked clean inside but I replaced it anyways. I also replaced the anti-siphon valve and installed a new fuel line from the anti-siphon valve to the fuel water separator since I was already in there. With those replaced, I still couldn't get fuel to the carb. So I replaced the fuel pump. With a new fuel pump installed I was able to get fuel to the carb. I put some muffs on and started the boat up. It ran fine for several minutes and I engaged forward and revers gears without an issue.
Thinking all was good, we took her out on the water this weekend. Unloading the boat from the trailer she stared right up... I didn't even need to advance the throttle this time. I thought all was good but 200 feet later it stalled out going maybe 5 mph. I tried to restart but nothing. I advanced the throttle as I was use to doing before but nothing. So after getting the boat back to the dock I noticed a fuse had blown. I replaced the fuse and tried again.... Nothing. I tried several times and confirmed the pump was receiving power (via a test light) and the fuse was good but nothing. After draining the batter from trying and even trying with a second battery I was only able to get the boat running one additional time but she only lasted a couple of minutes before cutting out.
At this point I don't know what else I can do to. Any suggestions would be helpful. New cap and rotor were installed last year along with plugs and wires. I'm going to replace the plugs this week since them seem fouled from trying to start the boat too many times with advancing the throttle. The current plugs at AC Delco AC-MR43LTS - I was going to replace with the same since that is what I found on the plastic cover over the carb... unless someone had a better plug they recommend I use for my engine.
The only thing left I can think of is the carb needs work or replacement. I have a Weber 9666s. I can find a new carb but the price seems to be around $880s - $1,000. That is ridiculous for a carb in my opinion. The Edelbrock 1409 carb is half the price. Would the 1409 directly bolt onto the engine I have or will I need any additional parts or adapters? Will I need a new fuel line from the top of the pump to the carb? The current Mercruiser part number for that fuel line is 32-861321. I've also ready that many have had issues with the Weber carb but most topics I've found have been on the non high output 4.3. Since I have the 4.3 LH I'm looking for advice on making the switch from anyone who has done it.
The boat is at my in-law's house so it might take some time to either post pictures or runs test suggested. I would love to get the boat back in the water this weekend so I'll do my best to provide timely updates to any suggestion. I thank all in advance for any help provided!
I'm new to boating and this is my first post so please go easy. Not sure if I should break my post into two separate ones but for now I'll keep them together.
I purchased a 2001 Glastron GX 185 SF last year. Engine - Mercruiser MCM 4.3 LH 262 CID. The boat had issues running so the seller had it brought to a local dealer to get running. At the time I was told it was just bad gas and the dealer cleaned the carbs. I was also told that I would likely need to advance the throttle a few times to get the engine to start. That seemed to work for the dozen times we used the boat last year. We did experience a good lag in initial throttle response when going from a stop of slow speed to WOT.
So this year we took the boat out still experienced the same lag in the throttle. We figured we would look into it some more but found ourselves bobbing on the broad lake when we tried to go to WOT from a stop. I was waiting for the lag but the boat just fell on it's face and would never restart. Good thing I was out with a someone who was able to tow me back.
I started with the fuel filter. The fuel looked clean inside but I replaced it anyways. I also replaced the anti-siphon valve and installed a new fuel line from the anti-siphon valve to the fuel water separator since I was already in there. With those replaced, I still couldn't get fuel to the carb. So I replaced the fuel pump. With a new fuel pump installed I was able to get fuel to the carb. I put some muffs on and started the boat up. It ran fine for several minutes and I engaged forward and revers gears without an issue.
Thinking all was good, we took her out on the water this weekend. Unloading the boat from the trailer she stared right up... I didn't even need to advance the throttle this time. I thought all was good but 200 feet later it stalled out going maybe 5 mph. I tried to restart but nothing. I advanced the throttle as I was use to doing before but nothing. So after getting the boat back to the dock I noticed a fuse had blown. I replaced the fuse and tried again.... Nothing. I tried several times and confirmed the pump was receiving power (via a test light) and the fuse was good but nothing. After draining the batter from trying and even trying with a second battery I was only able to get the boat running one additional time but she only lasted a couple of minutes before cutting out.
At this point I don't know what else I can do to. Any suggestions would be helpful. New cap and rotor were installed last year along with plugs and wires. I'm going to replace the plugs this week since them seem fouled from trying to start the boat too many times with advancing the throttle. The current plugs at AC Delco AC-MR43LTS - I was going to replace with the same since that is what I found on the plastic cover over the carb... unless someone had a better plug they recommend I use for my engine.
The only thing left I can think of is the carb needs work or replacement. I have a Weber 9666s. I can find a new carb but the price seems to be around $880s - $1,000. That is ridiculous for a carb in my opinion. The Edelbrock 1409 carb is half the price. Would the 1409 directly bolt onto the engine I have or will I need any additional parts or adapters? Will I need a new fuel line from the top of the pump to the carb? The current Mercruiser part number for that fuel line is 32-861321. I've also ready that many have had issues with the Weber carb but most topics I've found have been on the non high output 4.3. Since I have the 4.3 LH I'm looking for advice on making the switch from anyone who has done it.
The boat is at my in-law's house so it might take some time to either post pictures or runs test suggested. I would love to get the boat back in the water this weekend so I'll do my best to provide timely updates to any suggestion. I thank all in advance for any help provided!
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