[stressedwife]

We just got a Mercruiser 3.0TKS. First time we tried it, the ignition went on and the engine started but immediately died. Is there a fuel shut off valve somewhere? please don't ask me anything too technical!

[ShabahZ280]

Is the safety lanyard attached? It's a red colored stretchy cable that attaches to either the shifter, or a switch on the dashboard. This is basically a kill switch just in case you fell overboard, the boat would shut off. Check that.

Next, I might suggest having your fuel pump checked out. Mine was doing that last year, and it'd crank and crank forever, but would never fire. Turned out the fuel pump went bad.

[22empire]

If the boat starts and then dies it could be a couple of things.. The switch that the lanyard goes into could have an issue with the wiring. If it is grounding out that could cause the motor to dies as if the lanyard had been pulled out. The Fuel pump is also a possibility, normally they don't just die though.. If the motor will rev but has trouble starting that could be the pump.. Normally when you call for more power they will work but die on idol.. Also, if you have a fuel filter or seperator I would check them to see if they need to be cleaned/replaced.. Overall, if this is beyond your comfort level, then take it too a good mechanic.

[il_Mio]

Have you put the throtlle forward and back a few times before starting the engine (if engine still cold) ? Push the round "neutral" button (round button at the base of the throttle stick) first to be sure it is not engaging in gear.

[mikeyt]

Sounds like the 'kill switch' at the bottom of the throttle assembly is in the 'off' position. I'm assuming you put fuel in the tank......

[stressedwife]

The grumpy one assures me that it is on and there definitely is fuel in the tank. Thanks for the idea though.

[stressedwife]

Thanks yes looked at that. Have just taken the thing to see a boat man in Dundee who is going to look at it after his hols. A bit annoying though as new boat and has only been in water once and wouldn't go!