Fuel Problem

[matt2807]

I have a fuel problem on the boat and I wanted all your advice. 98 4.3l merc carb alpha 1.

A couple of weeks ago I tried to start the boat, it ran for about 3 secs then stopped. tried it again and it fired then stopped. After that it would not fire. Turned it over a few times to no avail. took the air cleaner off and got the wife to turn it over and pump the acc - no gas coming through so i got a spray bottle filled it with gas and sprayed it directly into carb - it fired and started and has ran fine for the last couple of weeks.

So today we want to go wakeboarding and the same thing happens - ran for 2 secs then nothing. spray fuel in the intake and it fires but wont keep running this time.

I plan to have the filter off and replace it today - i just wondered if there were any other common problems associated with this symptom.

And before you ask - yes there is gas in it!!

Thanks
Matt

 

[Bondo]

Re: Fuel Problem

I plan to have the filter off and replace it today -

Ayuh,..... That's probably Where you should have Started......

And,...
If you've got an Electric Fuel Pump,....
The Oil Pressure Switch is a common thing to Look at...

 

[Don S]

Re: Fuel Problem

The first thing I would do is check to see if the electric fuel pump works or not. Also check the oil pressure switch where the wires for the fuel pump connects. They get corroded and stop makeing contact some times.

 

[matt2807]

Re: Fuel Problem

The fuel pump seems to be running cranking - if its an oil pressure switch problem would it not pump enough fuel to start then cut out after a few seconds? All it does is crank at the minute.