Replacement engine not starting

[SteveH_1919]

Hi all!
I am new to the forum.

I replaced my Mercruiser 5.7l in my '97 Maxum 20ft Cuddy with a Barr engine from a dealer in the outer banks of NC. I did not want to drop a plug in for the supplier.
The install went fine, but...

I can get the engine to crank, but she wont fire. She tries but just wont catch.
I get a bunch of back firing. I have verified the wires are correct and the rotor does point to #1 at TDC.

I used a timing light to verify I have fire to the distributor and to plug #1.
I jumped 12V to the electric fuel pump and it spit out a good stream of fuel.

The engine has a different oil pressure switch which provides 12V to the fuel pump. When the engine is cranking, I am getting about 8V at the fuel pump connection on the oil pressure switch.
I am concerned I do not have enough fuel.
The wiring diagram had purple and shift interrupt on one side and fuel pump and starter solenoid "R" terminal on the other side of the oil pressure switch.

How can I tell if I have the wires on the correct place on the starter solenoid?

Thanks,
Steve

 

[Bondo]

Re: Replacement engine not starting

I get a bunch of back firing.

Ayuh,.... Welcome Aboard Steve,.... It sure sounds like the timing is 180? Out....

The fuelpump should be igntion(purple) powered when runnin', + powered from the starter when crankin'...
It's the tiny outside terminal lookin' at the starter...

 

[SteveH_1919]

Re: Replacement engine not starting

Thanks for the reply.
I am attaching the wiring diagram for clarity.

So, if i have the solenoid wire on the small terminal I should be good.

I'll double check the the distributor and TDC on #1.

Thanks again,
Steve

 

[SteveH_1919]

Re: Replacement engine not starting

Morning,
I pulled an old gear head trick to check TDC and timing.
Took the cap off and observed the position of the rotor in relation to the balancer marks.
Whew! WAY off.
Moved the timing marks to about 8 Below and dug out my trusty GM distributor wench.
I moved the dist so the star wheel is just entering the pickup field.

I tried to start and it sounded much better.

Then...

It started to rain.

More to come.

Steve

 

[SteveH_1919]

Re: Replacement engine not starting

Progress?

When i released the key from the start position, the started did not shut off.
The manual said it is usually the switch. Ran to the auto parts store and replaced the switch.
The new switch did not affect the problem.
Removed, cleaned up and reinstalled the starter.

Same problem.

Could this indicate a bad starter? It is a Merccruiser starter.

Steve

 

[SteveH_1919]

Re: Replacement engine not starting

Update.

Replaced slave solenoid. Same problem with the started not dis-engaging.

Replaced the starter.

The engine started right up. WOOHOO!

 

[Bondo]

Re: Replacement engine not starting

The engine started right up. WOOHOO!

Alllllrighty,... Splash it so We'll know how she Runs,....

 

[SteveH_1919]

Re: Replacement engine not starting

Love to put it in the h20.
BUT,
While doing some break in on the muffs, the alternator squalls like a stuck pig at about 1100 RPM.

So purchasing a replacement tomorrow.

Keep you guys updated.

Steve

 

[NHGuy]

Re: Replacement engine not starting

Cheez, you can't get a break. By the time you get to dunk that thing there won't be any changeover parts left!
BTW what killed the old motor, are your exhaust manifolds trustworthy?

 

[SteveH_1919]

Re: Replacement engine not starting

Exhaust manifolds are new. Risers and elbows are several years old.

I am unsure what killed the old one. I had a couple of gallons of h2o in the oil pan when I drained the oil of the engine.

I suspect head gasket. But it is a moot point. I just need to figure out what to do with the old engine.

Steve.