Hard Starting

[boater-rick]

I have twin OMC 305's. They start great when it has been started recently but when they have been idle for a weekor more it seems that the fuel bowls are empty. I'm wondering if this is pecular to marine engines. The mechanical fuel pumps are new and working. The accelerator pumps work fine when the bowls are full. I have been toying with the idea of installing an electric fuel pump to "boost" the fuel into the bowls. I would only use it for priming with a momentary switch. I would rather have what is existing work properly and would appreciate any help or advise.
Thanks,
Rick

[Corpus Skipper]

This will happen when carbs sit for a while. Just crank the engines a bit to refill the carbs, then give the throttles a couple shots and crank 'em up. My 350s are particularly cold blooded since I removed the chokes (stuck all the time anyway). They need 7-8 full strokes of the throttles and they'll fire right up.

The reason marine carburators' bowls dry up faster than a car's, is that enginerooms are very hot. Chokes shouldn't stick. If they do they can be repaired for easier starting.

[boater-rick]

Originally Posted by Unregistered

The reason marine carburators' bowls dry up faster than a car's, is that enginerooms are very hot. Chokes shouldn't stick. If they do they can be repaired for easier starting.

What do you think about an inline electric fuel pump from the primary tank connected to a momentary switch that would fill the carb and make starting very easy. What about a check valve on the load side of the mechanical pump? My chokes both work great.

[gonzo]

I was the earlier guest
Mechanical pumps have a check valve already built in. An electrical pump can be used as a substitute. However make sure it is a MARINE pump. Also, the pressure rating should be 4-6 PSI. There is no need for two pumps in line. With mechanical pumps it is normal to have to crank the engine for 20-30 seconds.