Mercruiser 898 Cranks but Won't Start

[greg82255]

Hello,

I have a 1982 Mercruiser 898. I was cruising around the lake for about 2 hours yesterday, no problems at all. I go to dock the boat at the end of the day, we get to the dock and as I am about to turn the key off and call it a day, the engine stalls. I figured it was nothing and tried to start the motor again and it won't start. It will crank forever, but won't ever fire up. I had my friend pump the throttle as I looked in the carb, and fuel is definitely getting to the carb so I don't think that is the issue. Just changed the water separator and inline filters 2 days ago. Haven't checked for spark yet as I did not have the right tools on hand. I assume the problem is electrical - any thoughts?

 

[Don S]

Re: Mercruiser 898 Cranks but Won't Start

I had my friend pump the throttle as I looked in the carb, and fuel is definitely getting to the carb so I don't think that is the issue.

You sure are you that it wasn't water instead of gas? Water happens a lot on boats.

Did you check to see if you have spark coming from the coil?

 

[greg82255]

Re: Mercruiser 898 Cranks but Won't Start

Haven't checked anything yet, was in a rush yesterday when I was leaving. I am going to go back today and try to fix it. I'm not sure if it was water or gas, I just know something was being pumped into the carb as the throttle was being pumped. I am going to pull a plug and check for spark when I go over there today. Just looking for a little direction on where to start.

 

[BAproject]

Re: Mercruiser 898 Cranks but Won't Start

How well was it running when you had the boat out?

 

[greg82255]

Re: Mercruiser 898 Cranks but Won't Start

Ran perfect - 4400 RPMs at WOT, 55 mph.. cruising was perfect too, pulling tubes and skiers for 2 hours

 

[BAproject]

Re: Mercruiser 898 Cranks but Won't Start

If you have spark at the coil then it is possible the little metal tab in the rotor is worn or broke off.....have you had a chance to diagnose further?