1974 Merc 85hp Will Only Fire Up With Starting Fluid Help

[HDWKING]

Ok My 85 Outboard Will Only Start With The Help Of Staring Fuild. I Cleaned The Carbs But I Am Thinking A Total Rebuild Is In Order. Thoughts Anyone? And The Plugs Are Brand New.

 

[JB]

Re: 1974 Merc 85hp Will Only Fire Up With Starting Fluid Help

I see no reason to do a rebuild, HDW.

If she runs well after getting her started you merely have a starting enrichment problem. Starting fluid is a very bad solution. It is deadly to 2 stroke engines. If you must augment the fuel to start her, use premixed fuel, not ether.

You can get an OEM Service/Repair Manual for less than one hour labor at the shop. That is your first step.

Check out the choking system for cold start. If the cause of the trouble doesn't immediately reveal itself we have a collection of great Mercsperts here to help.

 

[HDWKING]

Re: 1974 Merc 85hp Will Only Fire Up With Starting Fluid Help

The Engine Sat For 3 Years. So I Don't Know The History Behind It. I Do Have A Seloc Book. I Will Give It Another Look. Thanks...

 

[CharlieB]

Re: 1974 Merc 85hp Will Only Fire Up With Starting Fluid Help

Those older Mercs like LOTS of choke to start.

I have a can of ether in my barn, don't remember why, I like to use Wally World Super Tech Carb Cleaner instead, it works fine and the solvent hits a lot softer than ether when the plug lights it.

Only need the smallest pfft, never lean on the can.

Ideally, 2 stroke pre-mix is best, but I have a problem allowing a windex bottle of fuel around. Especially with one rolling around in a boat.

 

[emckelvy]

Re: 1974 Merc 85hp Will Only Fire Up With Starting Fluid Help

One thought on starting fluid, they DO make the stuff which has a light lube oil in it, that at least wouldn't be so harsh on the motor.

Be sure you're doing the Old Merc Starting Drill:

-Pump the primer bulb 'til it's real hard then a few more squeezes for good measure!

-Give a good measure of Fast Idle on the control box.

-Crank the engine over while holding down the choke button (or push in the key, whatever style your choke is).

-Note and this is real important: Fast Idle and FULL CHOKE until she fires up! The choke only works when you hold the button down!

-Once she lites off, run at the slowest Fast Idle speed it'll stay running at, until warmed up. If it wants to die, "hit" the choke quickly and get off it, the motor should pick back up. Repeat until it's running stably.

When she'll run at idle speed without quitting, you're ready to take off.

'Nother Note: if your idle mixture is adjusted too lean, it'll be hard to start. If your choke shutters don't close completely or are warped, it'll be hard to start. If you don't hold your mouth right, it'll be........Oh, Wait, that's what my Granpa told me when I wasn't catching any fish!

Anyway, try a few things including adjusting the idle mixture in gear, in the water, warmed up (set it on the rich side of the mixture range) and see what happens.

HTH & G'luck (and no more oil-less starting fluid, eh?!)..........ed