Mercruiser stopped via kill cord- Wont start now

[Pollack Brained]

Hi I'm new to this forum and need some help getting my mercruiser 3.0L going again after it stopped when the kill cord was pulled out at 3600 revs! The engine turns over and all the spark plugs produce a spark. Fuel is getting to each cylinder but she wont start. I had to be towed in when it happened as I couldn't find the problem when at sea. If anyone can give me some pointers as what to try next that would be great. The engine is about 13 years old.

 

[Docksidemarineservices]

Pull the spark plugs and check the compression. Post your results. This is your diagnostic starting point.

 

[Bt Doctur]

At that speed you could have introdued water into the cylinders, it usually causes hydro-lock but you say the motor spins. May have wet plugs.

 

[Pollack Brained]

Pull the spark plugs and check the compression. Post your results. This is your diagnostic starting point.

Thanks for that advice, I'll try and borrow compression tester asap. I'll let you know the results but it might take a few days.

 

[Pollack Brained]

I've finally managed to check the compression and no.1 is 140, no.2 160, no.3 160 and no. 4 150. So I reckon this means my valves, pistons etc are all ok. I've double checked all the plugs and they've all got a good rhythmic spark and the carb is delivering fuel!!! My dual batteries are reading 13.5V each, and both are used to crank it over. Even with my truck and jump leads from it, the engine is turning over but not firing. Is there something simple that I'm missing or do I need to give in and let the marine garage look at it?
Any more ideas guys would be great.
Thanks
Rob

 

[Docksidemarineservices]

I know you said the engine is 13 years old, but what year is the boat? Does it have points and condenser in the distributor?

 

[Pollack Brained]

My boat is a rare 44 year old 22 foot Teal Fast Fisher, that has been refitted and the engine was professionally fitted 7years ago. It has the EST ignition system fitted. I haven't touched anything but the leads from the distributor, one at a time so as not to get them mixed up. I've not worked with electronic ignition before, only good old fashioned points that were easy to adjust on my cars 30years ago!

 

[Docksidemarineservices]

I never recommend this but did you try a little starting fluid? Compression, spark, fuel and air it should be running.

 

[3-legged-dog]

I am not an expert in anyway on engine combustion. most of these guys answering you are very good. in my experience with throttle, kill switch and being in gear unknowingly. I do have some experience. its possible that your drive is not in neutral to turn over and stay on. your handheld shift may appear in neutral but your drive may still be in gear and not neutral. the engine will crank, fuel system will push and burn fuel. Engine just wont kick over and stay on. you may need to force the hand shift from forward to reverse to reset the drive into neutral. also your kill switch could be defective and stuck in the kill position.

the best of boating to you!
The Dog