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MerCruiser not starting after sitting

TKLewis

New member
Looking for some help… I have a 95 CrownLine 182 with a 5.0 Merc that runs great but then after sitting in the water for a few hours it will not start again. It turns over fine but doesn’t get going. If I put it on the trailer and take it home it’ll start right up the next morning. I’ve changed the fuel pump and water separator filter already but something seems to not be cooling down or resetting. Any incite would be great thank you
 
Open the throttle a bit before cranking- if it starts, the carb may be leaking, possibly because the carb's float needs to be set differently, or the needle valve are corroded and causing this.
 
Open the throttle a bit before cranking- if it starts, the carb may be leaking, possibly because the carb's float needs to be set differently, or the needle valve are corroded and causing this.
I do have to give it gas to start off the trailer… but I also do that after sitting for awhile and it doesn’t start. We HAVE one time covered the top of the carburetor with our hands and got it to start so I was honestly thinking it might be a choke issue or something but I’m not a boat guy by any means
 
I do have to give it gas to start off the trailer… but I also do that after sitting for awhile and it doesn’t start. We HAVE one time covered the top of the carburetor with our hands and got it to start so I was honestly thinking it might be a choke issue or something but I’m not a boat guy by any means

I forgot to add- if it doesn't start after opening the throttle, give it a short pump of the throttle.
 
Yea we do all that and even try to start it with throttle wide open… it just continues to turn over but never fires off.

I received some input about it maybe being an issue with the ignition coil or distribution but to mean it IS GETTING FIRE cause like I said we have choked it off by covering the carb
 
You give your engine.
No serial number
No id for Carbed or tbi or efi.

How can anyone know what your engine is other than 5.0 litre.... that means SQUAT!

Look at it this way.

I have a 1995 truck, its a crew cab, it has a 5.7 litre engine.

It wont start. Why?

Would you think there is enough info to make an informed opinion?
 
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Yes Ghost, because you bought a Chevy!

To TKLewis;
In addition to the info requested above.....
Is this boat new to you? Yes/No
If No, when did trouble start?
If Yes, have you owned other boats & in particular MerCruiser powered boats.
If No, in your opinion does it otherwise run good? Have you ever had an experienced MerCruiser owner out with you for a 2nd opinion?

Maybe it's got serious issues like running on only 7 cylinders? Low compression on several or all cylinders? Running rich at all times?

Are you assuming it's fuel? Or ignition? Did you ever check to see if you have spark?
 
Yes Ghost, because you bought a Chevy!

To TKLewis;
In addition to the info requested above.....
Is this boat new to you? Yes/No
If No, when did trouble start?
If Yes, have you owned other boats & in particular MerCruiser powered boats.
If No, in your opinion does it otherwise run good? Have you ever had an experienced MerCruiser owner out with you for a 2nd opinion?

Maybe it's got serious issues like running on only 7 cylinders? Low compression on several or all cylinders? Running rich at all times?

Are you assuming it's fuel? Or ignition? Did you ever check to see if you have spark?


It is getting old.....................they think we can look into their engine bay and know exactly what they have.

Rarely if ever the type/brand of boat or the size/length matters for a running issue or shifting issue

BUT THEY THINK ONLY SIZE MATTERS.........
 
I have a few people politely gimme input actually… if you don’t have any then keep scrolling. I didn’t ask you to fix it over the internet jack leg I asked for some opinions so I’m not sure it fuckin matters what the serial number is.

And I didn’t JUST say it’s not running I gave an example of exactly what it’s doing, so piss off I guess!
 
I have a few people politely gimme input actually… if you don’t have any then keep scrolling. I didn’t ask you to fix it over the internet jack leg I asked for some opinions so I’m not sure it fuckin matters what the serial number is.

And I didn’t JUST say it’s not running I gave an example of exactly what it’s doing, so piss off I guess!
No problem. Best of luck with your most likely self induced problem.
Next time post your product in more detail and any and all history, repairs and work done by you the Boat Owner.
 
I have a few people politely gimme input actually… if you don’t have any then keep scrolling. I didn’t ask you to fix it over the internet jack leg I asked for some opinions so I’m not sure it fuckin matters what the serial number is.

And I didn’t JUST say it’s not running I gave an example of exactly what it’s doing, so piss off I guess!
First of all most of the guys in here who willingly help people are factory trained and have access to info and manuals or even places to get parts near you and a lot of information you wont get anywhere else. Some of us are a lil older and grumpy, and get weary of folks asking for help with little info on what they need help with. Yea even I forget to list details and I am a lifelong mechanic.

The people in here are great people and will go out of their way to research things and give you precise answers. Now, if you know it or not it DOES make a difference to know the Serial number because that lets these fellas know the exact engine and accessories and most likely the fix for the problem you are experiencing. I would even bet most of the guys here have had the same trouble as you. You are definately NOT the first.

You would be well on your way to happy boating by heeding and listen to what the folks here have to say. Even if they are a lil bit on the grumpy sounding side.

Thanks for reading
RK
 
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