Hard starting OMC

[stevenhickeys]

Hello,
I have an '86 19' Bluefin with a 2.3 OMC Cobra drive unit. After my boat sat for @ a month, I am having a real hard time starting it. There seems to be a fuel delivery situation. Today I am going to disconnect the gas hose to the tank and blow it out to loosen any debris in the tank. I can also replace the water fuel separator and make sure that is not clogged.

The carb looks very clean and when I can manage to get the motor started it runs very smoothly.

Does anyone know if the carb on these motors have an internal fuel filter that may be clogged? And lastly, does the fuel pump for these motors fail or malfunction to the point of starving the motor with lack of fuel?

Any guidance and help as always is most welcome. Over the time I have owned different boats, you guys have saved me $1000's in marina bills because you have helped me DIY!!

SH

 

[Levinz11]

Re: Hard starting OMC

Hello,
I have an '86 19' Bluefin with a 2.3 OMC Cobra drive unit. After my boat sat for @ a month, I am having a real hard time starting it. There seems to be a fuel delivery situation. Today I am going to disconnect the gas hose to the tank and blow it out to loosen any debris in the tank. I can also replace the water fuel separator and make sure that is not clogged.

The carb looks very clean and when I can manage to get the motor started it runs very smoothly.

Does anyone know if the carb on these motors have an internal fuel filter that may be clogged? And lastly, does the fuel pump for these motors fail or malfunction to the point of starving the motor with lack of fuel?

Any guidance and help as always is most welcome. Over the time I have owned different boats, you guys have saved me $1000's in marina bills because you have helped me DIY!!

SH

-When was the last time the carb was rebuilt? If it's been a few years, you might want to get on it. The kit is cheap.
-Yes, there is a mesh type filter in the carb right where the fuel line enters. Clean it.
-Replace the fuel water separator as well.
-Remove the fuel pick up from the top of your tank and inspect.
-The check valve attached to pick up can also get dirty and get stuck closed or not open fully.
Good luck.

 

[stevenhickeys]

Re: Hard starting OMC

Thank you for the advice. I will follow the steps you gave me and hopefully get the gas flowing properly!!

SH

 

[Levinz11]

Re: Hard starting OMC

This thread covers the fuel system check in detail...http://forums.iboats.com/mercruiser...ow-testing-your-boats-fuel-system-283269.html

 

[Larry E]

Re: Hard starting OMC

Hello,
I have an '86 19' Bluefin with a 2.3 OMC Cobra drive unit. After my boat sat for @ a month, I am having a real hard time starting it. There seems to be a fuel delivery situation. Today I am going to disconnect the gas hose to the tank and blow it out to loosen any debris in the tank. I can also replace the water fuel separator and make sure that is not clogged.

The carb looks very clean and when I can manage to get the motor started it runs very smoothly.

Does anyone know if the carb on these motors have an internal fuel filter that may be clogged? And lastly, does the fuel pump for these motors fail or malfunction to the point of starving the motor with lack of fuel?

Any guidance and help as always is most welcome. Over the time I have owned different boats, you guys have saved me $1000's in marina bills because you have helped me DIY!!

SH

ONE Word...Ethynol] Take the carb a apart and I bet you will find a gummy substance in the jets and throughout the interior. You cannot tell by looking down the throat. If you are using the cheaper 87 octane put some Lucas gas treatment in the tank and put in some high octane fuel. You will need to rebuild the carb also.

Larry E

 

[stevenhickeys]

Re: Hard starting OMC

OMG Larry, I hope ethynol has not gummed up my carb!! I use higher octane fuel and throw in a 1/2 bottle of gas treatment for the 12 gal fuel tank. If I do need to rebuild this carb, would it be a job I could tackle with VERY limited carb rebuilding experience. I believe the carb on the 2.3 is a two barrel design.

 

[Speak]

Re: Hard starting OMC

I

OMG Larry, I hope ethynol has not gummed up my carb!! I use higher octane fuel and throw in a 1/2 bottle of gas treatment for the 12 gal fuel tank. If I do need to rebuild this carb, would it be a job I could tackle with VERY limited carb rebuilding experience. I believe the carb on the 2.3 is a two barrel design.

I just had the exact same problem with my 2.3 omc. What I found was the accelerator pump in the carb was split. Very easy to replace. If you buy a rebuild kit it should come with it. Those carbs are very simple to work on. One way diagnos if the accel. pump Is busted is to disconnect the throttle cable and then pump the throttle and see if fuel us being sprayed into the intake. As long as the fuel bowl is full --gas will squirt into the intake. If not the acc. Pump is pooched. Take your time take everything apart slowly - take digital picture so u have a reference in case u get in over ur head. If you are mechanically inclined you can easily do it. Good luck. Stu.

 

[SHickey]

Re: Hard starting OMC

Hey Guys,

I think I got the starting problem fixed, #1 the choke mechanism was partly disconnected from the carb #2 the internal carb filter was clogged. After reconnecting the choke mechanism and blowing out the carb filter the motor started and ran like a champ. I am putting my boat to rest for the season and I am so happy it was running right so that I would not "think" about the problem all winter.

Thank you all your input and ideas. You all always save me a lot of time and money!!

SH