starting boat

[jmarty10]

Hello all - I have a 18 ft 3.0l mercruiser alpha one drive. I'm still fairly new to boating and will be towing boat for first time this weekend

I know that before I make the hour trip to lake I should start boat to see if it works. My first question: the proper place to pute muffs is on the outdrive where the inlet slats are and then connect hose to muffs and turn water on correct?

My second question: I usually start boat when completely in H20. Today, with muffs and water on, I pulled throtle out and put throttle all the way down and tried to turn over. It just cranked. I put throttleback into neutral position and it turned over nicely. What is thecorrect way of starting the boat/giving it gas with the throttle. I've been told a couple of dfferent ways but dont really know if this is correct?

Also, is it ok to put it in gear and spin propeller for only a couple of seconds?

Thanks

 

[fixb52s]

Re: starting boat

I found my 3.0 starts best when I pump the throttle a few times and start it with the throttle set to idle. It takes a few tries because I am still waiting for my new electric choke. It too doesn't want to start with the throttle advanced.​

As for putting it in gear, it should be fine to check it, but don't make it a habit.

Sounds like you have the muff part correct. I will just open the faucet just enough to get it some water, then open it up after it starts.​

 

[jmarty10]

Re: starting boat

Its normal for water to come out where muffs are and run down driveway correct?

 

[642mx]

Re: starting boat

Its normal for water to come out where muffs are and run down driveway correct?

Yes.

 

[jmarty10]

Re: starting boat

can I assume drive is ok if I put it in forward gear withouy boat on and prop locks when reverse spinning by hand and then will lock going forward when gear is put into backwards?

also, when in foward gear and spinning prop foward by hand I hear clicking noises intermitently?

thanks

 

[Nandy]

Re: starting boat

This sounds like an inboard. Are you running a blower before you try to start the motor?

 

[jmarty10]

Re: starting boat

no its an i/o

 

[triumphrick]

Re: starting boat

I/O is an inboard/outboard and usually called an inboard