200 mecury black max

[hung on a rock]

I have a 95 200 hp.mercury blackmax when I get it started it runs perfect. About 1/2 the time it won't start ,I belive it is not getting fuel. I have replaced the bulb and feul pump with new mecury parts . Still having same problem.  Any suggestions on my next step?? 

[fishinwrench]

 Compression, Ignition, and fuel are all it takes to start an engine.    If compression is good on all 6 cylinders, and ignition is strong on all 6 circuits then you can safely assume the problem is with the fuel system.  

When you did the compression test how did the spark plugs look (any of them look dirtier/cleaner than the others?  Any signs of water droplets?)

Once narrowed down to a Fuel system issue....Fuel quality is the first thing to check (squeeze some into a glass jar and see how it looks/smells). If it looks and smells good then it's time to test fuel pressure on a EFI or do a carb/pump/and primer overhaul job on a carbureted engine. Inspect the reed valves once the carbs are off.  

There, that should be enough to keep you busy for a bit.  

[hung on a rock]

Thank you for your response. I have not had the compression checked or checked the plugs, I will do this when funds are available.  My motor is fuel injection. I will do some research on checking the fuel pressure. Would draining the tanks and putting new fuel in be a logical first step? I feel like something may be clogging the fuel line. Is this possible?  When it starts it runs perfect . Unfortunately I am on a budget. 

[fishinwrench]

27 minutes ago, hung on a rock said:

Thank you for your response. I have not had the compression checked or checked the plugs, I will do this when funds are available.  My motor is fuel injection. I will do some research on checking the fuel pressure. Would draining the tanks and putting new fuel in be a logical first step? 

Nooooo.  Doing a COMPRESSION TEST is the logical first step, especially since you are on a budget.   No sense in dumping a single dime into the fuel system until you verify satisfactory compression and ignition.   The fact that it runs ok once started means nothing. Your motor can run pretty good on 5 cylinders, and one cylinder with an issue will only get worse the more you run it.

Troubleshooting steps are done in that sequence for YOUR benefit.    

Not pimping my business here but FYI I have never ever EVER charged for initial diagnostics.

[hung on a rock]

Thank you very much.  It is hard to beat a man at his trade. I will try the steps you have given me and go from there. From what I can see compression testing is the same as on a truck. Fuel preasure testing looks a bit more complicated. I have a high school fishing tournament with my son sunday, so the trolling motor will have to do. I have been known to trip over a dollar to save a dime before. I believe I saw you were located in loz that's a pretty good trip for me, especially considering my truck is older than my boat.

 

[snagged in outlet 3]

3 hours ago, fishinwrench said:

Not pimping my business here but

I don't see why you shouldn't.   I couldn't begin to count the number of people, including myself you have helped for free on this site.

Now go kick some bass!!

 

[fishinwrench]

5 hours ago, snagged in outlet 3 said:

I don't see why you shouldn't.   I couldn't begin to count the number of people, including myself you have helped for free on this site.

Now go kick some bass!!

 

Ok

[fishinwrench]

5 hours ago, hung on a rock said:

Thank you very much.  It is hard to beat a man at his trade. I will try the steps you have given me and go from there. From what I can see compression testing is the same as on a truck. Fuel preasure testing looks a bit more complicated. I have a high school fishing tournament with my son sunday, so the trolling motor will have to do. I have been known to trip over a dollar to save a dime before. I believe I saw you were located in loz that's a pretty good trip for me, especially considering my truck is older than my boat.

 

I actually wasn't trying to encourage you to drive all the way here, I was poking at the service centers near you....for being so greedy.  

[hung on a rock]

I would gladly drive that far for a mechanic with your reputation. My daughter and 2 of my son's love to fish. I bought this boat last August so my son's can fish the high school fishing.  It is truly a blessing to get your children involved in hunting and fishing. There are just so few bad influences in the woods or near the water. I bought a compression tester and hopefully will test it tomorrow. Thanks for your advise.

[snagged in outlet 3]

Nice Wrench!

Is that a black and blue jig?