Got spark & blood, but no fuel

Well, I got spark today on my Mustang project. I got the motor to cough a little bit, but it still won't run. I don't think it's getting any gas.

But I didn't get any further than that becuase I sliced my hand open with a utility knife trying to cut through some hose. A nice clean slice, too inches long across the base of my palm on the left hand. I had to give up working on the boat to go to the ER. Bummer. Maybe tomorrow I'll be able to figure out the fuel problem. Any suggestions on how to troubleshoot? I suspect there's something wrong with the fuel pump or it's wiring.

The gloves would only have slowed the blade down a little bit. It was a utility knife with a fresh blade.

It doesn't look so bad this morning. Just a nice clean cut - at least the knife was good and sharp.

Anyway, I was cutting hose off the motor so that I could replace it. It hasn't been used in six years and they look pretty suspect.

Here's my hand, all cleaned up.

So does anyone have a serious answer to Chris' fuel question? I got nuttin'. Not a great engine guy myself.

BKH

Good call. I'm going to check the fuel/water separator tomorrow. Did they also come with an inline fuel filter back then? I haven't seen one anywhere.

You don't think you're getting fuel or you don't know if you're getting fuel? Take the flame arrestor off and look down the carb while the throttle is pumped a couple of times.

I had an issue with my other boat last year where the carb floats were sticking. They would stick in the position they're in when the float bowls were full, so the engines would fire, run for a second or two, then die. I think it was some bad gas. For the 3 weekends or so that it took to run that tank out, I had to tap the front and back float bowls of the carbs before starting and it would run fine all day. The engine guy who figured it out said he had never seen that before.

You can disconnect your fuel line at the carb and crank it over and you should see gas pumping out (try to catch it in a cup). If you do, you know it's carb related (filter, floats, gummed up?) If you don't see any gas, it's most likely fuel lines or pump.

If you find it has fuel and she still acts funny, make sure, since you performed a complete tune-up, that you check the dwell(if applicable), and the timing while cranking it over. Might want to double check spark plug wire order to be sure. Dont get caught chasing ghosts since it has not been run.

She runs!!!! Go ahead and slam on me all you want for screwing up, but I'm so happy I don't care. I was driving to West Marine and it occurred to me that I had followed the firing order clockwise on my distributor cap, when it was really counter clockwise. So, I rearranged the wires, turned the key, and she fired right up. It's a beautiful sound too!!!

Dchris17...way to go man. Do you think you will get it in the water this fall!

I have enjoyed following your quest to buy that thing and now that you did , am excited to see you succeed in getting it on the lake!
Keep up the good work!!!

1974 Correct Craft Mustang 17: $700
Inboard Trailer: $100
Tires & Wheels: $170
Tune up kit, oil, & other basic parts: $200

The growl of a classic boat doing 50 in open water: PRICESLESS.

This boat is so awesome. I can't believe I pulled this deal. Thanks to everyone who gave me advice and encouragement - it really helped.

not to burst your bubble but don't believe that you are actaully doing 50, your speedo's most likely are not accurate, 40-45 is more realistic. good to hear you are up and rnning and enjoying your new toy.

Mustangs are pretty fast. All of the ones that I have seen and running right will usually do at least 45 mph. Crank the timing up a bit and run premium gas with a good prop and they will usually do 47-48 mph. Our stock 307 chevy 225 hp (OMC 225) will do 50 with 2 heavy people in the back seat and myself driving. It goes faster with more weight in the back. Bring those people to the front and it will do 48 mph. Our other Mustang 17 with the old 302 would do 47 with the timing set at 18 degrees advance at idle My measurements are done with a radar gun so I know its accurate. I also check the speedo using it.

I think whoever had it just let it rot away. I am still thinking on the noise issue. Damper springs a possibility, but they usually will chatter idling also. Might try pulling on the prop and turning it to see if everything feels smooth. Deceleration tries to pull the shaft out of the transmission.

It doesnt matter what gear your in, just want to see if the bearings are running smooth. Also, there should be no movement forward/back on the shaft. Wish I could hear it. By the way, have you tried a power turn??