I have a 5.7L carb merc crusier that doesn't fire over within a few seconds after 10 hours or so of use.  I had the carb re-built by the dealer about  July 2003. Recently within 30 hours of  use the plugs are fouled and you need to crank it for about 30 seconds to get it to start.  Compression is good on all eight cylinders, and it is not burning any oil. 

I have recently been reading about the deterioration of fiberglass fuel tanks due to the use of ethanol in the gas.

Considering the 10% ethanol has not been prevalent in our gas on the lake since about 2005, and I have had this problem going on to my 3rd season, I am getting tired of "living with it" and looking for a solution.

 Anyone know if a 1997 202BR has a fiberglass gas tank or experiencing a similar problem?

Thanks

Ray Prokop

Ray, you may just be getting some vapor lock due to the ethanol in the fuel.  Your tank though is not fiberglass, it's a poly tank so no worries there.  But you're saying that it's hard to start after using the engine for 10 hours?  You mean like in a day?  Runs good all day and then after lots of use that day, it's hard starting?

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O'
"Little Mascara 3"
2003 266BR,496 MAG w/Bravo III

Hi Mike,

It starts fine after I change the plugs, but after using it a few tiems say 10 hours over a month or so is when I start to have problems starting it.  Mostly a cold engine is hard to start.  But there are times when we are running shut down for a few minutes  and then start-up is difficult.

PS.  I see you are on Lake of the Ozarks MM  I am at MM 13 on the Niaguia Arm  Been there over 20 years

I remember on my '98, my marina did some adjustment to my carb that helped on re-starts.  

We ran up the Niangua a week ago on our annual run from the 69mm to Ha Ha Tonka cove.  Love it up your way.  My family had been going to the 69mm since '72 and they bought in '76.  Except for the college partying years, I've spent most of my summer weekends on that lake.  If you ever make it up our way, look us up.  We are on the main channel, directly across from the 69 marker on the bluff. 

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O'
"Little Mascara 3"
2003 266BR,496 MAG w/Bravo III

I have had them adjust the carb several times Over at Buds Place on 54 near the Grand Glaze Bridge. When you remove the plugs they are carboned up which makes me belive its running rich, but Buds insured me the carb is set correctly.  That is what lead me to think of a fiberglass gas tank.  I have read where the ethonal in the gas can deteriorate the tank.  My simple mind tells me if the tank may be deteriorating then the residue is suspended in the gas, being burned and that is causing the fouling and hence hard starting.

 

When you crossed under the last bridge before getting to Ha HA Tonka our Condo complex is right there on the south side.

Ray

I agree with u that it is running rich...u are getting all the classical symtoms....back when the card was re-built, was it re-jetted??......or ur float could be sticking also