was out on the water...and she almost didn't start!

vampirefish

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Feb 14, 2005
Messages
195
Not sure what to do about this. Since I've owned this boat (2nd season now) I've marveled at how wonderful the engine perfomrs - I have a Mercruiser A1, Gen II, 5.0 V8 Inboard.

When I took her out yesterday, she started up fine when launching...however I did notice (for the first time ever) that when we were ready to take off (right after launching) that it seemed there was a lag/hesitation with the throttle (I did not push it down all the way). When this happened I pulled back on the throttle a bit and was puzzled.... then thought maybe it had to do with an extra 300lbs in the boat. So I didn't really run it WOT, due to weight, but it did seem like it wasn't running tip top (like it was 2 wks ago)...seemed 'a little' rough but I wasn't sure if I was being ultra paranoid... and thinking the weight could be a factor.

So we go anchor for a spell, then I go to start her...the starter would turn but nothing (I didn't want to burn out my starter). It was like it wasn't getting any fuel. I had to prime I can't tell you how many times (and I didn't smell gas like I thought I would doing so) and then I just wasn't so shy to keep the starter turning long enough for it to start. It finally started and we headed back to the launch.

Any suggestions? I do know that the filters need to be changed out (all filters).... but am wondering what other troubleshooting I can perform...don't want this to happen again!

thx ahead of time.
 

Don S

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Aug 31, 2004
Messages
62,321
Re: was out on the water...and she almost didn't start!

When was the last time it had a full tuneup? You already said you haven't changed the filters. Could be the accelerator pump in the carb is bad or plugged up. Does it squirt fuel when it's hard to start? Have you checked for spark when it doesn't start?
 

vampirefish

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Feb 14, 2005
Messages
195
Re: was out on the water...and she almost didn't start!

Don, I will check into this stuff and get back to you. thx
 

vampirefish

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Feb 14, 2005
Messages
195
Re: was out on the water...and she almost didn't start!

Quick update - replaced the fuel water separator and used seafoam and carb cleaner a few times (not at the same time)... running & starting like a charm now!
 
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