Gas feeding problem... I think

[anthony1]

I inherited a 89 bayliner with a mercruiser 350 stern drive in it.

So here is what i am into, boat was given to me as a literal basket case, im thinking great daddy daughter project.

I figured all the wiring out as they ripped them out. Took out the GM distributor in it (should tell you what im up against). Ordered an older mallory marine dist, and installed the electronic ignition which solved the mercruiser electronic spark problems i was having.

I have proper compression.

Finally set prelim timing and put some gas in boat. No start.

Pumped the throttle a few times and she fired up and ran for about 5 seconds. After a few more of those maneuvers i am thinking i have an idle circuit problem.

The Carb is a 4 bar rochester.

So my question is what do i do from here shy of getting a new carb which is $300 for this boat. I am very bad with carbs and could you some serious direction here, i have also never really had success rebuilding a carb.
tks

 

[tpenfield]

Sounds like the carb is gummed up so it will only run from the gas injection from the accelerator pump :noidea:

I have always found that starting fluid is a great solvent, if you can get some to go in the fuel line to the carb.

 

[NHGuy]

Yes, if you don't feel good opening it, don't. But it's completely OK to clean it inside and out.
I recommended using a line wrench to pull off the feed line and clear out the inlet filter. Remove and dump the contents of the water separator into a glass jar to check for contaminants. Replace that, they don't reuse. And run some fuel system cleaner through the fuel system.
Next start, shoot some carb spray in the throat before you crank. That will make it fire right off and could help the running engine prime the carb fuel bowl.