Mercruiser 4.3 LX Gen + won't stay running

[kcitrin]

I have a 1997 Regal Destiny200 with 4.3L Mercruiser.

The boat has the Mercruiser 4.3 LX Gen + with 210 hours. The issue is the boat will start and idle fine but then dies when it is put in gear then it won't start again sometimes you can get it to start by pumping the throttle but it dies as soon as you stop. It has a freshly rebuilt carb and new fuel pump so I hope these aren't the issue? What else could be causing this?

Forgot to add the carb is the Merc M2 #807764

Thanks in advanced for any tips or hints!!

Kris

 

[Bondo]

Re: Mercruiser 4.3 LX Gen + won't stay running

The issue is the boat will start and idle fine but then dies when it is put in gear then it won't start again sometimes you can get it to start by pumping the throttle but it dies as soon as you stop.

Ayuh,.... While it won't Start,.... Have you checked for Fire,..?? Fuel,..??

Dying when Shifting, indicates a Bad lower shift cable, which would mean No Fire...

The pumpin' of the Throttle, might indicate a Fuel delivery issue...

 

[kcitrin]

Re: Mercruiser 4.3 LX Gen + won't stay running

OK, so I went and tried to start it and it did start and idled for a few seconds then I put it in forward and then reverse and it stayed running. But when I went back to idle it died and wouldn't start again... it would fire but not continue to run... then it wouldnt even fire just turned over. It is getting fuel and I would think spark because it does fire. The lower cable... is there a way to check it?

Thanks,
Kris

 

[kcitrin]

Re: Mercruiser 4.3 LX Gen + won't stay running

Is it possible that the coil is going bad? Could I test it using a coil from a Ford Fairlane with a 289? Just to test with... not to leave in the boat.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Mercruiser 4.3 LX Gen + won't stay running

Ayuh,.... Start with the Sparkplugs....

 

[boattech]

Re: Mercruiser 4.3 LX Gen + won't stay running

When you get it running and get ready to pull it back to nuetral watch the shift plate ( Plate where the inner and outer shift cable join at the motor) there is a switch that is tripped when the drive is shifted out of gear for a few seconds that will stall the motor temporarily. watch that switch and see if it sticks on when you pull it out of gear or does it quickly pop in and then right back out. If if stays ingaged the cable going to the outdrive may be getting stiff and killing the engine to long. there are two wires going to that switch, try unplugging them and see if the motor still dies when shifted. (it could be hard to get out of gear when unplugged so be prepared to shut off the key if you cant get it out of gear.
Some of your description sounds like this problem, but some of it doesnt. post more details if that doesnt help

 

[kcitrin]

Re: Mercruiser 4.3 LX Gen + won't stay running

I unplugged the wires for the switch and it made no difference. But I noticed another symptom... this happens when the motor starts to warm up. If I start it up after it sits over night it will run for several minutes then it begins the whole stalling thing. And once it stalls it won't stay running for a long time. Any other ideas?

 

[boattech]

Re: Mercruiser 4.3 LX Gen + won't stay running

This is a tough one based on not having the boat to test! LOL! If you hadnt told me that it had a newly rebuilt carburator that would be my first guess and the fuel pump being my second guess. But I dont have enough detail to nail the problem down.

 

[achris]

Re: Mercruiser 4.3 LX Gen + won't stay running

An air leak in the fuel line perhaps? (suction side of the pump and above the level of the tank).

Use some clear hose in the fuel line, at the pump end, to see if you have bubbles.

Chris......

 

[SteveTahoe]

Re: Mercruiser 4.3 LX Gen + won't stay running

I know this thread is from last year, but I'm wondering how you made out. I'm having the same problem.