will not idle

[jeff13601]

I got my seized up 120 horse mercruiser to fire up but she run rough. I cleaned the tranny fluid out of the cylinders best I could and I took the carb off and cleaned it and it runs much better but will not idle. Also I can hear a squeek when it is running. Does anyone know if that could be a stuck valve and if so is there anything that can be done without tearing it down

 

[waterone1@aol.com]

Re: will not idle

I would start by doing a compression test on all cylinders.

 

[SeattleMatt]

Re: will not idle

wow, it sure is fun getting a seized motor running <br /><br />I would run ATF thru it with the motor oil, this will clean the oil passages of gunk. <br /><br />It would be difficult for a valve to squeak, most likely the rocker assembly if it internal. Usually squeaks emit from external components. <br /><br />Go to Autoparts store and buy a Stethascope, $10, best purchase for finding engine sounds. I'd start by sticking it on the waterpump, <br /><br />oh and a compression test would be a very good idea.<br /><br />I assume you replaced spark plugs, distcap and rotor.

 

[jeff13601]

Re: will not idle

Thanks for the reply. This sure has been discouraging. Without everyones advice here this would have costed a mint.The boat was stolen two years ago and I got a call from the local sheriff last week that they had found it. What a mess. Motor was set and interior had been stripped. All the bellows are rotted. GPS and such was also missing Yes I have changed points, rotor,coil, plugs etc. We have the Cabellas walleye tournamet her in ten days and I can see I will not be fishing. lol. Can anyone tell me if there is a water line or bellows near the bottom of the starter as it is pouring water out.

 

[SeattleMatt]

Re: will not idle

well, i'm not that familiar with the 4cylinder config, but my first check would be for cracks on the side of the block down there, that is where the water jacket is.<br /><br />What part of the country are you in? cuz if ur in a region where it can freeze, i would doubt the thief winterized it

 

[jeff13601]

Re: will not idle

I livein new york state by the canadian border. I hope you are not right but it makes sense. I get it running and then I run back to look and it stalls. I swear it allmost looks like it is coming out at the bottom of the starter housing right at the bottom of the starter. Would that be possible? I guess it is better to find out the bad news now. lol

 

[SeattleMatt]

Re: will not idle

take ur throttle linkage off and crank down ur idle screw to make it run high rpm and stay running

 

[Mahoney]

Re: will not idle

Did you clean out the fuel tank and replace with fresh gas?

 

[jeff13601]

Re: will not idle

I drained the tank out and put in fresh gas also. It was almost dark when I got it running and I couldnt tell exacly where the water was comng from but it looked like it was coming out of the same hole the starter goes into, at the very bottom. If it is a crack in the block then the block has to be replaced , am I correct?

 

[Mahoney]

Re: will not idle

I would check to make sure all plugs are getting spark. Then do a vacuum test as well as the compression test. Vaccum test should show if you are having valve issues as well as if you have an air leak that is starving the engine when you idle down.<br /><br />The water leak needs to be fixed first, but I dont think that will cause it to run poor and not idle. If it is coming from where you say it is, its entirely possible that a hose could have cracked or a clip rusted around your cooling hoses.<br /><br />I wouldn't get to excited, but at least take care of the easy stuff first before you start going crazy with tearing the engine down.

 

[jeff13601]

Re: will not idle

Thanks Mahoney, There is no crack in the block on either side of the motor. It appears to be coming from the under side in the back. This afternoon I am going to pull the riser and see if I can get my head in there to see. lol. I am praying it is just a hose as the exhaust bellow is rotted right in half. Also would anyone know what the compression should be?

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: will not idle

I anything over 110 # would be ok. 140 # range would be better. Consistency between the cylinders is more important than high readings.I'm sure you'll get more input....J

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: will not idle

Almost forgot.........Find your water leak first. If you have a cracked block, you're wasting your time with all the rest. I used to live down by Wappinger's Falls & I know how cold it gets in them parts.......J

 

[jeff13601]

Re: will not idle

You made a big move from Wappinger Falls to Seattle. Do you know if there are any soft plugs in the rear of the motor?

 

[SeattleMatt]

Re: will not idle

Yeah, its suprisingly tricky to find the source of a cracked block. I found a crack in mine when I bought the boat, thought "oh well, i'll just weld it shut" so i did, oh no!<br /><br />When there is a crack in the block in place, the whole thing is usually destroyed, this would make it not run right in some cases. When I pulled mine out I found cracks all throughout the cylinder walls, heads, etc.<br /><br />Sorry I'm not trying to scare you, but you should be certain about where that leak is before u waste too much time.

 

[jeff13601]

Re: will not idle

Im hoping that isnt the case with mine but I have no clue what happened to the boat when it was stolen. If it a crack I wont have a problem seeing it as it is dumping water faster then a hose can flow. lol. I just wish I didnt have to pull the motor to find out as I have never done it before. I am hopeful it is the soft plug as I have gotten it running smoothly now.

 

[SeattleMatt]

Re: will not idle

glad to hear it's running well !