Starting problems.

[ericcarr]

OK here’s my dilemma. I just got done putting a motor in my 1990 sea ray Sundancer, it is a 7.4 454 motor. If I dump gas in the carburetor it will fire up momentarily and then die of course, but for some reason I am maintaining 8 pounds of pressure at my carburetor from the fuel pump but it refuses to fire off the motor alone without pouring gas in the carburetor. Anybody have any suggestions? I did rebuild the carburetor, it was my first time doing a Quadra jet.

 

[ScottinAZ]

to start with, what are the idle screws (the two needle valves in the base of the carburetor) set at? Do you get any fuel squirting into the primary throats when operating the throttle? Did you properly set the float level?

 

[ericcarr]

That I’m not sure of. What should I have them sit at?

 

[ScottinAZ]

the specifications should have been in the instructions with the carb kit. Otherwise you will need the manual for your engine. Good starting point is 1 1/4 to 11/2 turns out. if they are screwed in hard, there is no fuel flow through the idle circuits, and no starting.....

 

[ericcarr]

I was told my motor was out of an 82 sea ray amberjack. How do I go about checking on the year?

 

[ScottinAZ]

I was told my motor was out of an 82 sea ray amberjack. How do I go about checking on the year?

you will need the serial number off of the engine itself. There is a sticky up the top with links to find out where Mercury hid it on your engine.

 

[dubs283]

I was told my motor was out of an 82 sea ray amberjack. How do I go about checking on the year?

Via serial number. Mercury has a vast database concerning engine/drive application

Seek local reputable dealers/parts representatives for further information

 

[dubs283]

Mercury hid it on your engine.

Oof,

Your insight as of late has been wandering. Keep in mind, production/manufacturing takes all kinds. Let's be pragmatic about s/n location.


OP: your s/n is located on either the rain hat or just above the starter motor. A mirror and flashlight/torch will aid you immensely

 

[ericcarr]

Here’s the few pics I was able to get of the heads & the back of the block.

 

[dubs283]

Clean where it needs to be, would be a pleasure to diagnose irl.

At this point, given information would suggest you're beyond internet help. I have no idea why you've removed valve covers/displaying photos of the flywheel/ring gear

 

[ericcarr]

I took these before I installed the motir into the boat. As I stated before I just done putting a motor in my boat.

 

[ericcarr]

I took the pictures to show the numbers on the heads and the block.

 

[ScottinAZ]

Here’s the few pics I was able to get of the heads & the back of the block.
View attachment 364071
View attachment 364070

both of those are casting numbers. as Dubs said, there "should" be a tag on the block near the starter.

 

[ericcarr]

Isn’t there a way to look it up with the casting numbers?

 

[ScottinAZ]

Oof,

Your insight as of late has been wandering. Keep in mind, production/manufacturing takes all kinds. Let's be pragmatic about s/n location.

well, by "hid", the only one of my serial numbers that is in the "stock" location is the one on the outer transom/gimbal assy..... My engine and transom plate numbers are on a sticker on the valve cover, and if they stamped a number into my outdrive, I still havent found it....... so there IS some variation from "stock" in where Mercury put the numbers, my comment about hid was a bit "tounge in cheek"....

 

[ScottinAZ]

Isn’t there a way to look it up with the casting numbers?

no. those are from the engine manufacturer, and we need the Mercrusier numbers to pin down the exact model, and therefore the exact specs needed to get you back and running. Those heads and block would be found in everything from a Chevy or GMC pickup to your boat. In this case, they really arent that helpful unless you need/want to get an exact replacement for that casting

 

[ericcarr]

Ok then how in the hell do I go about getting that info if I don’t have a way to get the mercruiser numbers? When I picked up the motor this is what it looked like.I guess I’ll have to head back out in the barn & take a look at them valve covers right?

 

[ScottinAZ]

Ok then how in the hell do I go about getting that info if I don’t have a way to get the mercruiser numbers? When I picked up the motor this is what it looked like.

ok, easy there.... your engine serial number like mine is on a sticker attached to the valve cover. I can see the red sticker on the right side cover that has your serial number on it.

 

[ericcarr]

I’ll get back with you tomorrow sometime, thanks.

 

[ScottinAZ]

ok, with what I can see on your valve cover, you have a 330 engine. Using a bit of guesswork that yours is about a 1982 vintage, Mercury service manual #3 has a serial number range from 4889680-6083144. if yours falls inside this range, here is the tune up page from the manuals. If yours is outside this range, please post it up (please do this anyways, as it will be handy if there are any other issues, People WILL ask for it). hope this helps. For the record, the manual calls for 2-3 turns out from seated on the idle screws