Wont start, no fuel, pistons bone dry after flushing cooling system

[myshifty]

I had an overheating problem that has now lead to a fuel issue. My late model A-4 has been runnnig great for the past 12 months (since I bought the boat, a 1976 Columbia 8.7 with orignal A-4). Recently it began to overheat. I removed the thermostat and it needed cleaning, along with the housing. I cleaned both and flushed the head and exhaust manifold; in doing so I removed and reinstalled the alternator and starter to get better access. I've ordered a new thermostat as it was old, and new housing as it was corroded.

However, after flushing head and exhaust manifold, and reinstalling alternator and starter, and without thermostat (new one hasn't arrived yet), the engine wont start. Cranks perfect but no go. I removed the spark plugs and all cynders are bone dry, no fuel. I drained the sediment bowl and float chamber (manual pump), all appear good as there was little water or contaminants and the manual fuel pump primes system when main passage plug removed.

I must be missing something obvious. Fuel and eletrical system all ran well before I flushed the cooling system. What happened? Any ideas or suggestions?

[lat 64]

loose choke cable

My firstest guess is that your choke cable is not hooked up right and it's not completely closing the choke butterfly when you pull the cable.

Because of the updraft carb, these engines just will not go without full choke to get some rich fuel mixture into the manifold.

This is assuming you know you have fuel getting to the carb.

Russ

[ILikeRust]

I removed and reinstalled the alternator and starter to get better access.

Wouldn't be surprised if it had something to do with this. Have you checked for spark after putting everything back together?

[JOHN COOKSON]

The Basic Three

Remember the three things needed for the engine to run: Compression, spark and fuel all delivered to the cylinders.

Compression: do a compression test
Spark: Pull a plug(s) and hold it on the head to ground it to see if there is spark when the engine is turned over with the starter.
Fuel: After a period of no start cranking you should see fuel pooling in the throat of the carburetor.

Remember to close the through hull valve to the water pump during no start cranking.
Also short bursts on the starter.

TRUE GRIT

[lat 64]

oops

Because of the updraft carb, these engines just will not go without full choke to get some rich fuel mixture into the manifold.

....

I meant to say; "without choke" sorry. I corrected original post.
Need full choke to start cold engine.

No signature, too embarrassing.