2002 Mercury XR150 won't fire

[Hooksetter]

Ok fella's, heres my problem: Went to the lake today with my buddy, took his boat, which ran fine last time out[5 weeks ago]. Got to the launch and the motor would not fire. Not a lick. Turned over fine, would not fire. We got out of the way and checked the kill switch, fuses, etc. with no results. Pulled a few plugs, they are firing. Checked the fuel filter, it is fine. Smells like it is getting gas. Three hours later it still won't fire. Checked all the fuses we could find on the engine, they are all good.

What's next? Did we miss something basic or is it time to take it to a mechanic?

Willie

[djkimmel]

If the spark plugs are firing and it looks like you are getting gas in the cylinders... I don't know. Seems like it should fire unless there's a compression problem? Timing? Good luck.

[tjrock]

I agree with Dan. I would check compression and timing next. I haven't done alot of work on outboards, but I have seen cars that would not start because they jumped timing when shut off.

[Durand Dan]

Here are some troubleshooting tips including some info on the trigger magnet ring.

http://www.marinepartsman.com/ELECTRICAL-IGNITION-troubleshooting-in-Mercury-and-Mariner-outboards.html#General Description of the Electrical & Ignition System

[djkimmel]

For a minute... I thought you wrote secret decoder ring...

Good luck with the motor. I hate electrical problems. Always have. Always will.

[Manxfishing]

I'll just throw this out
It might just be bad gas?
Seeing how you have spark and gas

How long has the gas been in the tank?

[bassinman#1]

I had the same problem with mine, My primer ball was empty so I pumped it till it was full and then it fired up.

[Hooksetter]

Just a quick update, better late than never. I would have replied sooner, but the motor just got fixed 2 weeks ago. Thanks to everyone for the advice.

The problem turned out to be in the carburetors. Apparently the floats were gummed up and stuck. So we learned a lesson. Check for fuel flow at the carbs as well as the filter.

My buddy wanted to give props to N&K Marine for their fast, professional and reasonably priced turn around time of 1 day, which also included winterizing as well.

He would join this site and post himself but he does not have internet service and his computer skills are worse than mine, which is saying something!

Willie

[djkimmel]

Well shoot! Invite him up over to your house and sign him up! You can at least get him as far as you got!