MCM 5.0L EFI 305 Will not Start.. Fuel Starvation? Cool Fuel Gen II? (FIXED ISSUE!!!) Fuel Pump replacement

[Challenger84]

If you move the fuel pump then you will lose the benefits of cooling the fuel which you would need. Yes on some models like yours, it's possible that hot water can/has been known to flow back down to the fuel pump from the thermostat housing after shutting down the engine. Water flow helps keeps fuel cool and Mercruiser did come out with a one-way check valve to help prevent hot water from flowing back down to the pump after shutdown.

Typically to help get the cover off of the pump assembly, it sometimes helps to un-bolt the pump assembly bracket from the two top nuts of the motor mount and let the pump assembly drop-down and back as far in the bilge area as the lines will safely allow in order to start removing the parts needed. The black cover should just pull off as there isn't any clips holding it on....Thankfully.

Good luck.

Thanks for the tips. I will try and tackle this soon.
Note that when I was trying to tackle this it was very dark outside since I only have time after work and this weekend is busy..

Agree, I wouldn't move it.

The cover does slide right off, once off there are two nuts (item 14) holding a plate (item 13) to gain access to the pump.
http://www.mercruiserparts.com/Show...=4856&bnbr=90&bdesc=Fuel+Pump+And+Fuel+Cooler

Since it only take a very short time before you cannot start again I don't think its vapor lock. This happens when given time to soak up the heat like a couple hours.

I noticed from the link that the Fuel Pump is "no longer available" ? or They don't sell it separate anymore?
I was able to find one on ebay that's supposed to be OEM..

 

[alldodge]

I noticed from the link that the Fuel Pump is "no longer available" ? or They don't sell it separate anymore?
I was able to find one on ebay that's supposed to be OEM..

The original had a fuel cooler without a drain (items 11 and 12 in link above), the new cooler has a drain. The new pump is the same as the old but the USCG has seen failures from the old cooler.
http://www.mercruiserparts.com/bulletins/001/04//2004/EN_05.PDF

To get down to it Airtex 11004 is the same pump and cost much less
http://www.amazon.com/Airtex-E11004-Electric-Mercury-Marine/dp/B0076D5NVK

 

[Challenger84]

The original had a fuel cooler without a drain (items 11 and 12 in link above), the new cooler has a drain. The new pump is the same as the old but the USCG has seen failures from the old cooler.
http://www.mercruiserparts.com/bulletins/001/04//2004/EN_05.PDF

To get down to it Airtex 11004 is the same pump and cost much less
http://www.amazon.com/Airtex-E11004-Electric-Mercury-Marine/dp/B0076D5NVK

Wish i knew sooner would have saved $50. Thanks for the info tho..

 

[Challenger84]

Hello everyone!!
I bring good news!

So...
I played hookie yesterday and figured I'd not waste my day and dive into the Fuel Pump replacement..
It took me about 3hrs total.
I the advice and tips everyone gave me really helped..
It was NOT easy but very doable.
The hardest part was the access to the FP..

Well after the replacement, i checked all the lines and made sure everything was plugged in..
i reattached the primer bulb and pumped fuel through the entire system to make sure the system had fuel before start up.

Removed the bulb and buttoned everything back together.
Started the engine on muffs and she fired right up!
I ran her for about 30 min.. while checking to make sure the TBI is spitting out fuel.. Looks like a very even cone shaped spray from both sides.
Start and restarted the engine about 10 times to make sure everything was working properly..
After all the testing i had the itch to take her out for a test ride.
I had her running for 3hours with stops and restarts without issue.
It feels like she has more power with the new FP..
Maybe the old one was not pumping the right amount of fuel before going out..
With a 19 pitch prop i got her up to 57mph and im thinking if i had my 21 pitch on i could have have gotten a little more speed.. (2 passengers and no gear with extremly calm conditions)

I spent about $200.. which included the new fuel pump and primer bulb with fittings, fuel/water separator..
Saved about $800 or more.. I was quoted $478 for the Cool Fuel part only and I didn?t even ask for labor.. assuming it would take about them 4-5 hours @ $150 per hour..plus misc. parts.

Again.. I'd like to thank everyone for your help!
I love this forum!

I am finally back on the water and loving it! Whoo Hoo!!!!

 

[alldodge]

Thanks for the update, have a great boating day :thumb:

 

[Challenger84]

Thanks for the update, have a great boating day :thumb:

Thanks for all the help!

 

[ToboFan]

Hello everyone!!
I bring good news!

So...
I played hookie yesterday and figured I'd not waste my day and dive into the Fuel Pump replacement..
It took me about 3hrs total.
I the advice and tips everyone gave me really helped..
It was NOT easy but very doable.
The hardest part was the access to the FP..

Well after the replacement, i checked all the lines and made sure everything was plugged in..
i reattached the primer bulb and pumped fuel through the entire system to make sure the system had fuel before start up.

Removed the bulb and buttoned everything back together.
Started the engine on muffs and she fired right up!
I ran her for about 30 min.. while checking to make sure the TBI is spitting out fuel.. Looks like a very even cone shaped spray from both sides.
Start and restarted the engine about 10 times to make sure everything was working properly..
After all the testing i had the itch to take her out for a test ride.
I had her running for 3hours with stops and restarts without issue.
It feels like she has more power with the new FP..
Maybe the old one was not pumping the right amount of fuel before going out..
With a 19 pitch prop i got her up to 57mph and im thinking if i had my 21 pitch on i could have have gotten a little more speed.. (2 passengers and no gear with extremly calm conditions)

I spent about $200.. which included the new fuel pump and primer bulb with fittings, fuel/water separator..
Saved about $800 or more.. I was quoted $478 for the Cool Fuel part only and I didn?t even ask for labor.. assuming it would take about them 4-5 hours @ $150 per hour..plus misc. parts.

Again.. I'd like to thank everyone for your help!
I love this forum!

I am finally back on the water and loving it! Whoo Hoo!!!!

Thank you for this. I am facing the same problem. I have very limited space to work. Any additional advice that you can give? Did you have to remove the alternator? It is very much in the way, and I am not able to see the Pump assembly housing. I can hardly reach it with my hand! Any guidance it highly appreciated!