Am I being taken

[NoBozo]

Originally Posted by Dave R

Some engines, like mine, require that the fuel deliver system be primed if it ever runs out. The fuel pump will not do it on its own. I carry a spare spin on fuel filter in a plastic Maxwell House coffee "can" and a small bottle of stabilized gasoline in my boat in case I need to change the filter.

I'm afraid I have never heard this in my 70 years about a gas engine.

However, when a Diesel runs out of fuel, you have to bleed the injectors to get the air out. It's easy enough to do, as the Yanmar diesel I had had bleed valves built in to do it. NB

[NoBozo]

I would look at the Fuel Pump itself... AND the small Filter that is INSIDE the HEX shaped fuel line connector, where it enters the carb. It's easy enough to do in five minutes or less. NB

EDIT: Some of us are more fortunate than others in being able to do most of our own work, and it is always cheaper.

[Blue Thunder]

I would need more info as well as others have said. Broadhopper is right on the so called "thunderbolt" ignition box. It looks very similar to the Ford EEC boxes of the 80's. If that failed you would have been SOL. It was in many mid 80's Mercruisers including my 85 Liberator. It wouldn't suprise me at all to see it cost upwards of $400.

BT

[jrc]

Originally Posted by NoBozo

....EDIT: Some of us are more fortunate than others in being able to do most of our own work, and it is always cheaper.

It's only cheaper if your time is free. My work time cost more than a typical mechanic and my leisure time is priceless. For some of us an honest and good mechanic is worth his weight in gold.

I've had a car run out of gas and not start up easily after refueling. The crap at the bottom of the tank can clog filters, even pre-ethanol.

Even on an older boat the electronic ignition modules can go, $560 is more than I would expect but I haven't repaired a 25 year old engine in 20 years and that was a car..

[NoBozo]

Originally Posted by jrc

For some of us an honest and good mechanic is worth his weight in gold.

Even on an older boat the electronic ignition modules can go, $560 is more than I would expect but I haven't repaired a 25 year old engine in 20 years and that was a car..

My FREE time is free. I don't charge anyone (or myself) for my FREE time. When I am on vacation that time is FREE. I have on ocassion spent a great part of my vacation on Winni..replacing an exhaust manifold and a riser. My boat gets used maybe 15 hours a year. When you USE IT..That is the most likely time it will fail. I accept that.

The point here is...I KNOW how to do it. MOST people DON'T..and they PAY DEARLY for that lack of knowledge..Don't you agree..?? NB

[NoBozo]

Originally Posted by jrc

For some of us an honest and good mechanic is worth his weight in gold...

I TOTALLY Agree. BUT: HOW will you know if this is an Honest and Good mechanic IF you don't know something about engines yourself and can make a judgement on their work....?? Just wondering. NB

[Dave R]

Originally Posted by NoBozo

I'm afraid I have never heard this in my 70 years about a gas engine.

However, when a Diesel runs out of fuel, you have to bleed the injectors to get the air out. It's easy enough to do, as the Yanmar diesel I had had bleed valves built in to do it. NB

Yeah, I was pretty shocked when I could not get it to run the first time I changed the fuel filter. The fuel pump draws fuel from the tank, through the fuel filter and then pressurizes it for the MPI system. The "brains" of the system allows the fuel pump to run for a few seconds when you first turn the key on, then the pump shuts off and presumable turns on again while cranking the engine. It does not hold the vacuum to the fuel tank well enough to fill the filter, no matter how many times I cycle the key on and off and letting the engine crank for a long time is not good for the starter or the batteries. If I pour a few ounces of gas in the filter before installing it, it fires right up and runs perfectly. From what I've read on line, this problem is pretty common and is likely a function of the boat design more than the engine.

[NoBozo]

Originally Posted by Dave R

Yeah, I was pretty shocked when I could not get it to run the first time I changed the fuel filter. The fuel pump draws fuel from the tank, through the fuel filter and then pressurizes it for the MPI system. The "brains" of the system allows the fuel pump to run for a few seconds when you first turn the key on, then the pump shuts off and presumable turns on again while cranking the engine. It does not hold the vacuum to the fuel tank well enough to fill the filter, no matter how many times I cycle the key on and off and letting the engine crank for a long time is not good for the starter or the batteries. If I pour a few ounces of gas in the filter before installing it, it fires right up and runs perfectly. From what I've read on line, this problem is pretty common and is likely a function of the boat design more than the engine.

I think the OP said his engine was 25 years old. My 1986 "MCM 260" (5.7L GM V8) has a mechanical fuel pump supplying a 4 barrel carb. I've never worked on fuel injected so I can't comment there. I think for the Mercruiser years 1986-1994, ONLY the Gen II 4.3L V6 had an electric fuel pump. No fuel injection. NB


EDIT: Like somebody else said..maybe we need more info..like what engine...

The trouble is if a boat owner doesn't know much about engines he is totally at the Mercy of the "Mechanic".....