1989 3.0L Mercruiser Won't Start - Please Help!

[bryanj23]

The motor just cranks and cranks. I've replaced the plugs gaping to .035 using a flat gauge. I have replaced the battery. I have set the timing and checked the dwell... I'm not sure where to go now. I've noticed that cold starting on land with muffs goes better than sitting in the water, but either way it takes a LONG time to get going. It sometimes will catch and sound like it is going to start, but just chugs and stalls. Once I do get it started it runs great, no lagging or backfires, just smooth and strong. What should I be looking at?

 

[Bt Doctur]

Are you moving the throttle handel a few times before starting? Is the accelerator pump pumping fuel in when you move the throttle?
Is the choke set,adjusted, and operating properly?

 

[stonyloam]

When it is cold, give it one pump all the way to WOT, then take off the flame arrestor and look to make sure the choke butterfly is closed. If not try adjusting. Follow the Dr's advice to get fuel to the engine.

 

[bryanj23]

I do move the throttle before starting. (sorry I'm new) what is the best way to be sure the accelerator pump is functioning properly? I have ensured the choke is working, although in unsure of the proper setting. Set at the standard factory notch, the butterfly snaps completely shut. I thought maybe it was flooding so I moved the adjustment until it was open about an 1\8-1\4" and still nothing.