Mercruiser 3.0 Alpha 130HP Starting Problem! HELP, HELP, HElP!

[cpjohnson70]

Hi All

I have a local guy winterized my boat last year and this year for the first time, I have tried to start my 3.0 Merc Alpha 130 horse power but it does not turn over. So I poured one oz of gasoline into the carburetor and the engine start and ran for 5 seconds and it stalled. Can you all please help me on this problem? Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you in advance!

Thanks,

Jimmy

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Mercruiser 3.0 Alpha 130HP Starting Problem! HELP, HELP, HElP!

Did you check the petcock on the fuel tank to make sure it is open?..​

 

[cpjohnson70]

Re: Mercruiser 3.0 Alpha 130HP Starting Problem! HELP, HELP, HElP!

I am really new at this. What is a petcock? and where will the petcock located?

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Mercruiser 3.0 Alpha 130HP Starting Problem! HELP, HELP, HElP!

It is a valve....
It will be located by the fuel pump....
Look for the hose that comes out from under the deck & connects to the engine...
It (the hose) will be approx. 3/8 in diameter ..........
the year of the engine would be helpful, btw........​

 

[cpjohnson70]

Re: Mercruiser 3.0 Alpha 130HP Starting Problem! HELP, HELP, HElP!

I don't think I open the petcock. and for your information the year of the mercruiser is 1989.

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Mercruiser 3.0 Alpha 130HP Starting Problem! HELP, HELP, HElP!

Since you sound very new to this, you do know that you have to supply water to the drive through muffs if it is out of the water before starting, correct?......​

 

[cpjohnson70]

Re: Mercruiser 3.0 Alpha 130HP Starting Problem! HELP, HELP, HElP!

Yes I have done that. thanks

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Mercruiser 3.0 Alpha 130HP Starting Problem! HELP, HELP, HElP!

Well, was it open or closed?.......​

 

[cpjohnson70]

Re: Mercruiser 3.0 Alpha 130HP Starting Problem! HELP, HELP, HElP!

If I open the petcock, then that should solve the problem. right?

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Mercruiser 3.0 Alpha 130HP Starting Problem! HELP, HELP, HElP!

Well if it is closed, you cannot get fuel out of the tank.....​

 

[cpjohnson70]

Re: Mercruiser 3.0 Alpha 130HP Starting Problem! HELP, HELP, HElP!

On the first response you have sent to me. you said that the petcock located on the fuel tank. However, on the second response you said it locate by the fuel pump. I am really new at this. can you please clarify where the petcock located. I am confused.

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Mercruiser 3.0 Alpha 130HP Starting Problem! HELP, HELP, HElP!

It is a valve....
It will be located by the fuel pump....
Look for the hose that comes out from under the deck & connects to the engine...
It (the hose) will be approx. 3/8 in diameter ..........​

 

[cpjohnson70]

Re: Mercruiser 3.0 Alpha 130HP Starting Problem! HELP, HELP, HElP!

Yes, I opened the petcock but the engine still does not turn over. what might be some other causes? please help! thanks

 

[cpjohnson70]

Re: Mercruiser 3.0 Alpha 130HP Starting Problem! HELP, HELP, HElP!

after I open the petcock, I start the engine and it ran for about 5 seconds and it stalled. so what might be other causes? please help! thanks

 

[BRG25]

Re: Mercruiser 3.0 Alpha 130HP Starting Problem! HELP, HELP, HElP!

Sounds to me like the the engine is just cold and you're not setting the choke. What is your starting procedure?

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Mercruiser 3.0 Alpha 130HP Starting Problem! HELP, HELP, HElP!

Did you pump the throttle to set the choke & put the throttle at 1/3 open or so??
You are sure that there is gas in the tank?
Have you changed the water separating fuel filter, if so equipped?
(It looks like an oil filter).......
The fact that it will start & run, when you pour gas in the carb, says that it is a fuel delivery issue.....
You might try tha 1 oz thing once or twice more ......
If you can't keep it running, then it is time to find out why you are not getting fuel......
​

 

[BRG25]

Re: Mercruiser 3.0 Alpha 130HP Starting Problem! HELP, HELP, HElP!

Also it's a little early to be putting your boat in the water in NY unless you drain the engine block and manifold after use. We're still getting freezing temps at night...

 

[Wotknot]

Re: Mercruiser 3.0 Alpha 130HP Starting Problem! HELP, HELP, HElP!

Hi All

I have a local guy winterized my boat last year and this year for the first time, I have tried to start my 3.0 Merc Alpha 130 horse power but it does not turn over. So I poured one oz of gasoline into the carburetor and the engine start and ran for 5 seconds and it stalled. Can you all please help me on this problem? Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you in advance!

Thanks,

Jimmy

Take the breather off the carburetor and have someone pump the throttle a few times as you watch to see if you've got gas going down into the throat of the carb. If not, try spraying some Berryman's carb cleaner down into the throat. It's possible when he fogged the engine it may have stopped up the jets. Been there/done that B4, that's why I'm suggesting it.​

 

[wcsparky05]

Re: Mercruiser 3.0 Alpha 130HP Starting Problem! HELP, HELP, HElP!

cortland in the iboats house!! i'm from the 'cuse and make my way now in northern cali. go 'cuse and whatever NBDL team G-MAC is playing for!

I have the same engine and year and starts first time, every time.
TRY MY STARTING PROCEDURE:
1.put in the drain plug
2.launch the boat
3.pump the throttle three times and then leave at 10:00 if you we're looking to the right of the wheel.
4.turn over.
5.what kind of boat is it?
i have an '89 invader 16'5". happy travels!