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No Start, Fuel Pump Issues?

T

Tiger Fan

New member
I have a 97 50HP model number J50TLEUC.
I tried to start it this weekend, it turned over but would not fire. The VRO system is original and still completely installed.
I am kind of at the beginning but here is what I noticed so far.
when I pump the primer bulb for the gas it firms up some I could it forcing fuel through the line but the bulb never got real hard. Then it seemed to lose pressure after cranking the engine. When I twisted open the cap on the tank it fizzed like it was pressurized. After trying to stat the engine I noticed a lot of oil leaking out the bottom of the lower engine cover. When I pulled one of the spark plugs it appeared wet.
Where would you recommend I start my search to fix it.
This might be a dumb question, but if I am by myself, and the ignition is on the console, how do I turn over the engine and watch the plugs for fire at the same time?

Thanks,
 
Are you pushing the key in while cranking it over ?-----It is normal for the primer bulb to go soft when cranking the motor over. ------It is normal for the bulb to be a bit soft when engine is running too.
 
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yes, I am pushing in the key. I bought this bought back in june and at the time the seller said it may have some carb issues. it started then ok, but since then it's been sitting in my garage. the tank was treated with stabil back in June when I tried to start it this weekend it turned over but wouldn't fire. that's also when I noticed a lot of oil leaking out of the lower engine cover. I haven't had time to look for the oil leak, but when I pulled one of the plugs it was wet. I was wondering if the low fuel line bulb pressure and the oil leaking might be symptoms of a failing VRO pump?
 
Have you taken this boat for a test run before handing over the cash ??-----------If not then start with a compression test.-----Then look for spark on both cylinders.
 
It shouldn't be leaking oil from the cowling. At least not seriously leaking. A buildup over a long period of time probably is not a problem though.

Remove the drain plugs from the bottom of the carburetors to see if there is fuel in them. If there is, it should run, if everything else is ok. The fuel pump is to supply gas after it starts. Gas to start the engine gets there by you pumping the primer bulb.

How do you turn the key and look for spark at the same time, you ask. Obvious, get somebody to turn it for you. How 'bout the kid down the street?

If you have spark and compression, and your starting procedure is correct, suspect that old gas. Plenty of Ethanol haters are standing by to agree with that theory.
 
A little hard to start, but ran like a champ once it got started back in June. I will check the carb for fuel and ask the neighbor to turn the key.

Thanks!
 
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