MacGregorSailors.com

Hello, everyone.

I'm having trouble starting my Merc 60 Big Foot after having it sit for over a year (I know; way too long, sorry) I ran 'er dry before storing, or so I believe but she's not getting any fuel. Does anyone know of a magic bullet to get her started? She's not been broken into and has less than 100 hrs on her. I'm thinking of clogged injectors having sat so long (shame on me) without being started.

Having done my obligatory search before asking, I didn't find the answer.

Appreciate your help, if you can.

Michael

Happened to my Big Foot 60HP on the Whaler after letting it sit a year while playing with the 26X. It was high pressure fuel pump in the bottom of the fuel/vapor separator. $250. One month out of warranty.

--
Moe

Actually........it takes a lot , to clog those or any Injectors, and to clog so many it wont run...at all? Got to be a pump. Either the high or lower pressure fuel pump . High pressure supplies injectors and low pressure supplies fuel from the tank. Easy enough to check which one isn't working.

ooopppsss

Will it start after pumping it up and then dies?

Mine did that after 6 months in the Fl sun and the float was stuck because of dried gas. go down to the Mer dealier and get a spray can carb cleaner stuff, take the little hose off, spray some into it, run a little, spary some more, tap, run, repeat. Beats taking it apart.

It did cost me $ 500 and was the first thing needed in the water to get fixed on my cruise.

Fuel problem. Are you sure the simple stuff like fuel hose is getting through? Or the recently discussed "cut off switch" has the clip in? I often overthink problems.

--Russ

Thanks, guys - all good ideas. Don't like to think of one of the pumps going out, but now that you mentioned it, this engine was actually a year old before i bought it new from the dealer being one of those 'left overs' from the prior hear. That would make the pumps older than i considered. I'll work my routine troubleshooting, but was trying to avoid pulling the engine apart having it be so new. No doubt i'm in denial thinking that because it's not been run long that it wouldn't break.

I'll take a look at the pumps and let you know. This bytes.

Great to hear from the regulars; thanks again gents.

Michael

I just went through all this getting my Suzuki 50 4-stroke back in working order - in hindsight I should have started with the high pressure fuel pump - ended up replacing it as it was completely gunked up from sitting several years - I also replaced the injectors - which probably could have been saved - but hey they are new now at least. Hmmm as are the plugs / the oil / filter / impellor / pump / trim tilt reservoir - haha - but since it was very cheap to start with and the motor has only about 50 hrs and looks brand new it stilll wasn't a bad investment

Is there a quick test of the high pressure fuel pump I could do without test gear? I can get fuel to the bowl by turning the engine over.

I'm seeing lots of money. . .

I have the manual at home for this motor, but I am on the road at the moment - wont be home until late tonight. Will try to get some info then.

By bowl do you mean the fuel filter bowl is full of gas? I cant remember if that is downstream from the high pressure pump - Im pretty sure it is.

Check your kill switch too, btw...

mtc wrote:Is there a quick test of the high pressure fuel pump I could do without test gear? I can get fuel to the bowl by turning the engine over.

I'm seeing lots of money. . .

after cranking those plugs will be wet if she's getting fuel.
Read here too: http://www.diamondmarine.com/web_pages/ ... System.htm

Thought about this some more.

Remove fuel bowl from engine and dump gas into car gas tank. Reinstall fuel bowl, hand tighten only.

Now crank engine for 10 seconds. Go back to fuel bowl, and loosen while listening - you should hear the pressure release if the pump is working ok.

Best I can think of.

There is 2 filters, Low Presure and high presure.

Low poresure is at the fuel pump. Take loose the bowl and clean. the high presure is on the other side. Take care as it us under presure. Check with the dealer to instruct on how to remove.

Please note that we are assuming that you are not getting fuel to the plugs. Raise the motor out of the water and smell the exaust. If you are smelling gas then fuel is not the issue

I appreciate your time and interest helping me get the merc running. This is how it happened in the first place - it's been a month and all i've been doing is traveling for work! I'll get on it soon and let you know. Time's just a flyin' by.

Carbs or fuel injected?

What bowl are you talking about?

Just fixed mine up, but it has carbs. Can of carb cleaner and about an hour to remove the carb bowl drain plugs (after removing the plastic intake housing) and spray the cleaner into each bowl.