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'88 Merc 115 won't hold prime

3

31Express

New member
Greetings folks--new forum member here. Just bought a 15' Hydrostream with a 1988 Mercury 115 (inline 6). Did a basic service--plugs, water pump, gear lube--and a compression test(110 all cylinders). Since the fuel lines from the tank(s) to the engine weren't ethanol compatible, I replaced them along with a new bulb and hose clamps. Also replaced the small inline fuel filter. All fittings are tight--but the engine won't hold prime. A few squeezes of the bulb and fuel drips from the #2 carb--starts right up with choke and fast idle--but will not hold prime. Any suggestions? If it makes a difference--the fittings are the old-style bayonets and the tanks are 6 1/2 gal Quicksilvers with the twist open vents in the filler caps. Any and all ideas much appreciated!
 
The bulb will go " soft " after the motor starts.---------------And there is no need for the bulb to stay rock hard !
 
racerone said:
The bulb will go " soft " after the motor starts.---------------And there is no need for the bulb to stay rock hard !
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Yup--understand that. But the engine dies after the fuel from the prime is consumed--doesn't seem to be drawing any additional from the tank. I'm thinking the fuel pump needs to be rebuilt/replaced?
 
It wouldnt hurt to rebuild the carbs now and get ready for the summer. You likely got some crap in the carbs by replacing the fuel lines rebuild the pump and pump some fuel through the system before connecting the carbs with the fuel line.
 
kimcrwbr1 said:
It wouldnt hurt to rebuild the carbs now and get ready for the summer. You likely got some crap in the carbs by replacing the fuel lines rebuild the pump and pump some fuel through the system before connecting the carbs with the fuel line.
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Just pulled the fuel pump apart--there's a 1/2" slit in one of the diaphrams--so I think I've found the problem! Rebuild kit already ordered. Should have made it part of the initial service--now I know. Thanks all
 
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