1998 200hp Mercury cranks but won’t start

Lightning2015

Recruit
Joined
May 4, 2015
Messages
3
Haven’t started the motor in 6 months tried to start it during the weekend it cranks but won’t start I changed the spark plugs didn’t work. I did install a new harness assembly because my tilt and trim wouldn’t work hooked everything correct so don’t think that has anything to do with the issue. Hoping someone can help me out
 
Joined
Sep 28, 2020
Messages
15
Make sure you prime the fuel primer ball until it gets hard. Give it some throttle to let some air in, choke if applicable, then try to fire. If you're able to, check if you have spark. As Dukedog said, when you turn the key, listen for a fuel pump to turn on. If it's a mechanical diaphragm pump, you'll have to take a fuel line off to make sure it's pumping. Fuel, air, and spark. Keep that in mind.
 

Texasmark

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Dec 20, 2005
Messages
14,896
What are you using for battery power.? Your battery needs to spin the engine at something like 200 RPM for the ignition modules to function properly. Then is it spark or fuel. Pulling a plug and checking to see if it is wet (fuel is ok) or dry (need to prime-fuel bulb). Wet plug and fast cranking means you have ignition problems somewhere.....but one of the first comments probably is your source. If you changed the wiring harness and the engine subsequently worked, no reason (other than rats) why it shouldn't work now.
 
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