89 mercuirser 3.0l starts then when turned off will not start again

[Ayellaone]

I just bought this boat. Had a new Alpha one gen 1 outdrive put on it. When I when to look at it, the guy started it right up on the hose. Then, I paid and drove it to the river to make sure it would float. When I turned the key, started right up. Put it in reverse to back it of the trailer, and it died. Off to the floating races it went. I threw anchor and proceeded to try to start it. The motor torqued but didn't nothing else. I pulled it back home to find out the bearings in the lower were lubing themselves with water. I bought a used, rebuilt outboard and had it installed. I get it back today. The guys said that he ran it on the hose and it ran fine. I then took it to the river, started it first try. It ran for a minute and I shut it off. Pushed it off of the trailer and pulled it up onto the shore, this is because I have no dock and had to move the truck and trailer. Hopped in it, and it cranked, sounded like it wanted to start, then just wouldn't.

I am new to I/Os. What can I do to get this thing to run? Thanks.

 

[Ayellaone]

I forgot to add that I think its getting fuel. I can smell it after trying to start it a couple of time.

 

[MikDee]

Well, it did run, if only for a little while, so it seems maybe fuel related. Either you accidently flooded it, or the fuel lines got clogged? If you flooded it, then like a car, you must hold the throttle full open, and crank it till it starts, to clear away the excess fuel. Once started it will run rough, then you can gradually close the throttle, once it begins to smooth out, & idle normally. I would suggest being as the boat is new to you, is to go over the fuel system from the strainer in the fuel tank pickup, anti-siphon valve, the fuel line, and fuel filter up to the carburetor, looking for any gunk, or blockage.

 

[halltrail]

Also make sure you dont have water in your fuel!! You can empty your fuel filter into a glass jar and look to see if you have water.

 

[Ayellaone]

Well thanks for the advice both of you. I my friends am an idiot. I have an 89 bayliner with an outboard and when you start it, you push the key in for choke, turn it on and start it up. With this boat I was not sure. I looked in the owners manual and it did not show starting procedures. I did not know that you need to pull the shift lever out to access the throttle only and that will allow it to get warmed up and run the choke right. I just turned the key with it in neutral, flooding the engine. I have since had it out twice and it runs like a charm. How i figured this out was by dragging it down to the local boat shop. I explained what had happened. He hooked up the hose, showed me how to start it, and adjusted by carb all for free. Thanks again for the input.

 

[MikDee]

Good for You! I bet that was a pleasant surprise! Thanks for letting us know