fuel problems

[Jeremy78]

I have a question for everyone out there. I have a 1979 Champion bass boat that has a 200hp mercury outboard motor. The problem is I can only start the motor with starter fluid. I know that this is not the proper way of starting the motor, so I need help. The motor run and starts up right away when it is warmed up. One question is, do I need a primer bulb for this motor. when I bought the boat it did have one. I have a brand new batteries and all new battery cables. The motor seems like it is not turning fast enough on its cold start up. When the motor is warm it turns really fast. Could there be a reason why the motor turns slow on startup and not when it is warm? I don't know a whole lot about these motors, so I would love it if some of you out there could help me out. Any suggestions at all would help.

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: fuel problems

Do a compression and spark test.Low compression can cause hard starting.Post your results.
Yes you need a primer.Get a good one from Mercury.Fill out the profile.Jerry

 

[SparkieBoat]

Re: fuel problems

keep using starter fluid and you will be replacing the crank shaft...use ONLY premixed fuel in a spray bottle. besides if for every 1 time you use starter fluid that is 3 fishing trips that you will catch nothing..not even a minnow.

 

[Jeremy78]

Re: fuel problems

I only used starter fluid the one time, I bought the boat and it started fine for the first couple of days. I didn't want to try and start the boat again without a couple of sugestions first because I did't want to mess anything up with a dry startup. A buddy is checking the compresion this weekend. I am getting spark but how can I tell if I am getting enough spark. I can put premixed fuel into the carbs and she still don't want to start. Also the sparkplus stay dry no matter what I do.

 

[CharlieB]

Re: fuel problems

It is possible that you have TWO problems which contribute to make colds starts difficult.

Slow cranking speed while cold, clean the connections between the starter relay and the starter, also go thru the starter, ensure the commutator is clean, brushes good, and lightly lube the bushings.

Fuel enrichener may not be functioning. Check the solenoid for voltage while a helper pushes the key IN, disconnect one of the fuel lines from between the solenoid and the intake, squeeze the primer bulb while your helper pushes the key in to enrichen/choke.

 

[Jeremy78]

Re: fuel problems

I have a brand new starter. All of the batteries are new. When I hook up the starter to the battery direct I still get slow cranking speed. When motor has been running for only a couple of minutes It start like a brand new motor. cranking speed is fast and runs great, but if I leave it off for more than 30 minutes she dont want to start up. After I get the compression test done I will check the enrichener. Thanks. If anyone has any thing else it would be great.

 

[Jeremy78]

Re: fuel problems

All the battery cables are new

 

[Faztbullet]

Re: fuel problems

What year is the engine? If its a 79 also it has the butterfly chokes instead of a enrichner. If cranking voltage drops say due to a dragging starter the soleniod will not pull the choke flaps shut...

 

[SparkieBoat]

Re: fuel problems

you need a spark gap tester to test spark strength.you should get a blue streak across a 7/16 gap and coil is ok..they are under $10 at local auto parts store. you may also want to go ahead and get a DVA adapter and a multi meter so you can test power pack, stator and regulator.

 

[Jeremy78]

Re: fuel problems

I appreciate all the input that everyone has given me about my motor. I have talked to many mechanics and they want me to bring the boat so they can charge 75 dollars an hour to find out what is wrong with the motor. I don?t blame them because of the hard times we are all going through, but throw me a bone and give me a couple of things to check before I start paying 75 dollars an hour on motor repairs. I have another question for everyone out there, Is my 1979 200hp v6 worth putting the money into with the minor problems that I am having or should I start saving my money for a new one. Thanks again to everyone, for I will be working in the garage this weekend on some of the issues that have been brought up.

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: fuel problems

Check the compression and spark FIRST!!! If that check OK then it might be worth working on.
Post the results.Jerry

 

[SparkieBoat]

Re: fuel problems

I am not sure on the mercs..I know on OMC 79 is the oldest V-6 I would bother with..I am not sure about part interchangeability on mercs..or what year certain changes were made. But Jerry is right..do a spark and compression check. you need to go ahead and get those tools if you are going to be a DIYer. then even if you get another motor you will be able to diagnose it properly BEFORE you buy it.

 

[Jeremy78]

Re: fuel problems

it is a 79 also

 

[CharlieB]

Re: fuel problems

Just because the starter and cables are new does not ensure that the connections are CLEAN, Bright, and TIGHT. Sand all terminals and the spot on the block where the ground connects. Check voltage during cranking on BOTH sides of the starter relay, any drop in voltage indicates poor contacts inside the relay.

 

[CharlieB]

Re: fuel problems

Is my 1979 200hp v6 worth putting the money into .....

Nahhhhh, I'll come pick up that P.O.S. just to get it out of your hair so you can buy a newer motor.

 

[Jeremy78]

Re: fuel problems

Ya sure I have thousands of dollars sitting around to buy a new one, heck I might buy two just for the fun of it

 

[Mi duckdown]

Re: fuel problems

Do yourself a favor and BUY an OEM MERC manual, for that year. You will learn more from that, than all those 75.00 an hour mechs. That is a great motor. Hell the price is the same for one hour.
I take that Back, Good Boat Mechs are worth that Money. Had to make that clear before I offend someone.

 

[Jeremy78]

Re: fuel problems

Thnaks, I am going to download the manual of a site that one of the other poster had suggested. The cost of the manual is only Five dollars. I have a lot of other questions the manual will help out with. I have an hour meter that works on the boat, and there is only 350 hours on the boat and motor. I called the previous owner and asked him to send all paperwork that he had on the boat so I know what has really been messed with. He gave me the number to the man that bought the boat. The man that originally had the boat put it into storage and passed away, so it sat in storage for almost 20 years. I called to confirm. The man that bought it from the family of the original owner had the motor completely gone through, so he said. I am waiting for the paperwork to come back. If everything is correct any motor that has around 350 hours is worth fixing as long as it still runs now. I am not a machanic at, but I can tell if the motor is worth fixing when we get it a part, I mean we becasuse my friend is a machanic and he will be there to help.

 

[CharlieB]

Re: fuel problems

You might search for a thread 'Awakening a sleeping motor'

Stored for a long period there are a few things that should be checked out.

Did you replace the water pump/impeller?

Check LU oil?

While you have the LU off, pull the lanyard and hit the starter, does it crank fine now?

 

[Jeremy78]

Re: fuel problems

The motor was not sleeping. The previous owner that I bought it from said he ran it for two seasons. The LU oil was drained and replaced when I bought all new wiries and cables for the boat. water comes out of pee hole great, like it should so far as I know It was not replaced. Compression was between 115 and 118 on all cylinders, with low cranking speed, so thats good. All I have left is the wire harnes that looks a little old. I was Also told that in order to get a correct assessment of why the motor is not starting right, I need to have it in the water and not on muffs. Does anyon know if this is correct, if so she is going to have to wait until spring time.