1998 Mercruiser 3.0 181 CID - Starting Issue

K

KCobra78

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Apr 2, 2011
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Good Day - I am new to boating so I have some questions if you will please.

Go ahead and laugh if they are dumb.. it's ok.. :)

I just bought a -

1998 Mercruiser 3.0 181 CID w/ Alpha 1 Stern Drive (1998 Sun Tracker 25' Party Barge)

1st Issue - Starting -

Motor was last started 2yrs Ago

I Removed Fuel Tank and emptied old gas

Replaced with "fresh" gas and Seafoam Cleaner to remove any water etc still in system

Cranked 3X no joy -

Put small amount of fuel in carb - engine started and died

Boat will run as long as I put fuel in Carb - Any Ideas?

Is there a fuel filter?

2nd Issue - What manual do I need for the engine and stern drive?

when viewing the motor from the rear (stern drive end) there are a few wires on the right side.... they connect with butt plugs... I noted one wire is disconnected... I am not
sure if it should be connected or not, so I wanted to find a wiring diagram. I just don't want to plug it in and burn something up....

3rd Issue -
There are two "resevoir" type containers - one on each side of the motor... What goes in these ? It looks like a gear oil or motor oil to me... What weight etc.. does this take?

Thank YOU in advance for your help !

1SG(R) M
 
Don S

Don S

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Re: 1998 Mercruiser 3.0 181 CID - Starting Issue

What is the Mercruiser serial number for the engine. There should be a tag above the starter on the back of the block.
Year of the boat may not be the year of the engine.

The engine dieing may mean the carb needs rebuilt. May have had water in the carb and it's now corrosion. Time to pull the carb, disassemble and have a look.
 
K

KCobra78

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Re: 1998 Mercruiser 3.0 181 CID - Starting Issue

Don
I will check this afternoon at the location you stated. I am at work and I only have the title with me. On the title it has OL060301, but I am not sure if thats the right SN. The previous owner bought the boat new and stated this is the engine that came in the boat. I will post all the SNs this afternoon ... Thanks for your help
 
K

KCobra78

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Re: 1998 Mercruiser 3.0 181 CID - Starting Issue

Thanks Don -
I will download ASAP -

Any other suggestions - hints - advice is GREATLY APPRECIATED !
 
wbrannies75

wbrannies75

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Re: 1998 Mercruiser 3.0 181 CID - Starting Issue

does it have a electric fuel pump or manual fuel pump, ether way check it. 3.0 i take it it has a 2 barrel rod on it. check filter in carb and fuel separator, should be mounted on the stern. Also when u pulled the tank, did you take out the pick up tube and clean it out? It also may have a anti siphon valve, very common to get clogged!
 
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KCobra78

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Re: 1998 Mercruiser 3.0 181 CID - Starting Issue

wbrannies75 said:
does it have a electric fuel pump or manual fuel pump, ether way check it. 3.0 i take it it has a 2 barrel rod on it. check filter in carb and fuel separator, should be mounted on the stern. Also when u pulled the tank, did you take out the pick up tube and clean it out? It also may have a anti siphon valve, very common to get clogged!
Click to expand...

I think it has a manual fuel pump. I did not "see" a electical pump mounted anywhere

I will recheck...

Yes.. it has a 2 BBL Carb - I just came back from the Boat Store Parts Dept.. "ouch"

that was painful....

Only one carb was listed for my engine... MerCarb -

Where is the fuel separator? I don't see it on the stern...

I just purchased a Water Separating Fuel Filter Kit - (35-802893A 4) - I figured it would
be a good investment down the road...

I also purchased the rebuild kit for the carb ... just in case I need it..

Pump Kit - 3302-9655
Seat/Needle Assy - 3302-804689
Gasket Set - 3310-810929004

BUT they did NOT have diagram to help rebuild the carb

Does anyone have rebuild sheet/diagram or can you point me in the right direction?

I did not pull the pickup tube... but that's a excellent idea... I will do that tonight and post the results..

THANKS to all for your support.... Keep the ideas coming !

Hooah !
 
Don S

Don S

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Re: 1998 Mercruiser 3.0 181 CID - Starting Issue

I think it has a manual fuel pump. I did not "see" a electical pump mounted anywhere I will recheck...
Click to expand...

You have a mechanical pump.

Yes.. it has a 2 BBL Carb - I just came back from the Boat Store Parts Dept.. "ouch" that was painful....
Only one carb was listed for my engine... MerCarb -
Click to expand...

That is the only 2 bbl they used.



Where is the fuel separator? I don't see it on the stern...
I just purchased a Water Separating Fuel Filter Kit - (35-802893A 4) - I figured it would be a good investment down the road...
Click to expand...
Good idea, best thing you could do for your fuel system.


I also purchased the rebuild kit for the carb ... just in case I need it..
BUT they did NOT have diagram to help rebuild the carb
Does anyone have rebuild sheet/diagram or can you point me in the right direction?
Click to expand...
There is a whole section in the OEM service manual I gave you a link to, that is on that carb alone.
 
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farmer9009

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Re: 1998 Mercruiser 3.0 181 CID - Starting Issue

Check the rubber seal around the fuel filter bowl that is attached to the fuel pump. (you most likely have this style fuel pump, the bowl may be on the top or bottom of the fuel pump) Mine was old and not making a good seal so it was sucking air instead of fuel. A new seal and filter from Napa fixed the problem.
 
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KCobra78

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Re: 1998 Mercruiser 3.0 181 CID - Starting Issue

Thanks Don -

I overlooked the carb section ... I did not see it listed on the index tree and it was hiding... Thank you again for squaring me away !

After looking at the parts I got at the boat store... It seems I have a incomplete rebuild kit.

I see several "Sierra" kits here on Iboat.... Can you tell me what part number is the correct application for my model year carb?

Thank You
 
fat fanny

fat fanny

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Re: 1998 Mercruiser 3.0 181 CID - Starting Issue

Don't waist your time rebuilding that carb unless you plan on soaking it in cleaner and thouroughly blowing out all the orafices and you are best off getting the re-build kit to due the whole job. The kit # will depend on the carb serial # the # is on the carb I.D. tag located or stamped on the air horn. aftermarketmarine sells a good universal kit that works on all mercarbs. around $35.00.
 
K

KCobra78

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Re: 1998 Mercruiser 3.0 181 CID - Starting Issue

Can anyone confirm if this is a VOLVO engine or GM?

My Engine is -

OL060301

Also - is this the correct carb rebuild kit as well ? Sierra # 18-7097

Thank you..
 
Bondo

Bondo

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Re: 1998 Mercruiser 3.0 181 CID - Starting Issue

Can anyone confirm if this is a VOLVO engine or GM?
Click to expand...

Ayuh,... Where'd ya come up with Volvo,..??

It's a GM motor, marinized by Mercruiser...
 
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