Cold natured motor

[stevejeri]

I have a '73 115 inline 6 that would not start today. Since it has gotten cold, it won't hardly start in the mornings. I use it everyday to make a living, if it can't be made to be reliable and start when it is cold, I guess I will look for a different motor. I have rebuilt the carbs, and it worked fine when it was warm. It hasn't gotten as cold as it is going to (it has been in the mid to high 20's at night here). I checked the spark and it is firing. Anyone got any cold weather tricks to start motors? I ran the battery down today cranking it.

Thanks,
Steve

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Cold natured motor

Choke the thing until it starts. Those are cold blooded engines (as are most carbed two strokes). The colder it gets, the more fuel they need to start.

 

[JB]

Re: Cold natured motor

If you can find an old can of WD-40 it made a pretty good starter spray for 2 strokes.

You have to find one labeled "EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE". They used propane as an accellerant in those days. If it is merely labeled "FLAMMABLE" it is the newer stuff that uses CO2 and does not work for starting.

Seems to me it has been at least 5 years since the changeover.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Cold natured motor

Steve, Make sure the motor is tilted all the way down. Pump the primer until it floods a bit. Hold the choke button down and crank it until it fires.

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: Cold natured motor

Also, make sure your choke on each carb is getting full closure. Merc choke linkages are notorious for getting sloppy up over time to the point where the choke flappers are only closing partway...
- Scott

 

[ddennis]

Re: Cold natured motor

Just dont use starting fluid!!!! Good way to ruin the motor! Use some premix in a spray bottle instead. Or the WD-40 if you can find it....check OLD hardware stores....