Engine turns over will not atart

[Bond1000]

I have a '97 SC 2300 which had been running perfect until we imprudently went into a narrow channel and got stuck in shallow, algae bottom water. I raised the outdrive and slowly pulled out although the engine kept stalling. Finallly, we found deeper water and althought the engine hesitated a couple of times, we were able to get back to the boat lift without problems after cruising for about half an hour.

I figure all was good again, but the next day the engine started but after 5 minutes stalled and would turn over but would not start again. We were close enought to the house to get back with paddles.(we face Sarasota Bay in Longboat Key, FL). I waited until the next day and tried to start the engine; it did cough and wheeze and started briefly, but that's it. The gas gauge showed less than a quarter tank, and I put in two more gallons in case the reading was inaccurate. But no help. The batteries are new.

I was told by a neighbor to check the sea water strainer if the engine was running hot, but I did not notice the temperature gauge on the cruise back from the narrow canal, and did not go far enough the next day for the engine to overheat even if the strainer was clogged.

As I said the boat was running great before this episode at the narrow channel. Your thoughts will be appreciated. Many thanks.

[Phillbo]

Try a clean water separator.. you may have water in the fuel.

[Bond1000]

I replaced the original separator six months ago. Is it possible it got dirty so soon. Or, is it possible that irrespective of the gauge reading, I let the gas tank run so dry that the 2 gallons I put in are not enough to reach the engine.

[seapuppy]

well..there is a few things to check.....first check to see if the vent is clear to the gas tank......then ensure you have plenty of gas in the tank...then check the pickup inside the tank....or maybe reverse those two..check pickup and then put gas in....then check the antisyphon valve.....also check the filter to ensure it's clean....just replace it..they're cheap...ensure you have proper spark to plugs...distr...etc...ensure gas is flowing thru the carb....does the choke operate normally...pump once before starting with the flash suppressor off to see if it sets...
try those for now..

SP