Vapor Lock???

[udm328is]

so I got my Merc 470 running pretty well except that I would go out and then have starting issues, so the tack was all whacked out and I put it all together and came up with a bad alternator (my boat has the conversion) So I went to pull it to have it tested and apparently it was put in with the motor out because I didn't have enough clearance to pull the bolt out to remove it so I put it back together and just tightened it real good which turned out to be the problem because when I fired her up the tach was working properly and the batt gauge was reading 13 volts.

I got out on the water, ran up and down the bay, stopped and then went to restart and it turns over and I feel fast enough to start the motor, but it just doesn't start. When it is cool, starts right up no problem. I am pretty new to anything mechanical so I am learning as I go, and in this case I am assuming vapor lock.

Looking for some advice as to if those in the know agree, and then what is recommended to remedy the issue...

Thanks,
Eric

 

[Bifflefan]

Re: Vapor Lock???

Vapor lock is when the gasoline boils in the fuel line or carb float bowl there by becoming a gas instead of a liquid. If the engine is running at normal operating temp then a vapor lock is not likely.

More likely is you have low spark and or the fuel is leaking out of the carb and down the intake causeing it to flood.
Have you done the plugs, wires, cap, rotor, points and condenser?
That would be the first thing id start with, then move on to the carb if the issues remains.

I have the same motor, I like them but they can be a challange at times.

 

[jtmarten]

Re: Vapor Lock???

Sounds like the carb is heat soaking and flooding the engine. Vapor lock would normally cause you to stumble and stall while running.
Try opening the throttle all the way when cranking it, see if it helps the flooded condition.

 

[udm328is]

Re: Vapor Lock???

Had it out today and the same thing, heats up and won't start till it cools down it seems. I already changed the points, rotor, condenser, and cap, but have not got to the plugs yet, so gonna do that tomorrow and see what happens.