How do you start your Merc?

[Grady-White-Trash]

So I took my boat out yesterday. Launched it.<br /><br />And it didn't start.<br /><br />I did get it to run today.<br /><br />Soooo?<br /><br />I dont know.<br /><br />Question:<br />How do you start your Mercury? My 94 200hp is a bit of a pain in the butt.

 

[robalofish]

Re: How do you start your Merc?

This engine is a beast to start here's what works for me. I’ve become an expert on this after several times at the dock learning the hard way....<br /><br />1) Tilt engine all the way down.<br />2) Pump the fuel bulb until firm you will feel the resistance build as the floats cut off the fuel to the carbs. <br />3) Make sure engine is in neutral and pull the throttle advance out but do not advance. I found this is important as with the throttles open the fuel wont be pulled into the engine as well.<br />4) Turn the key to on.<br />5) Press and hold the choke (mines in the key) and count to 10 <br />6) While keeping the choke on turn the key to start.<br />7) Engine will kick off. *** release choke here ***<br />8) Be prepared to give the engine quick jabs of the choke if it appears to be dying.<br />9) After about 10-15 seconds of careful monitoring the engine you can relax on the choke.<br />10) Check for cooling stream while it’s warming up.<br />11) Go fishing.<br /><br />By the way I have the same engine 1994 200hp carbed Mercury.<br /><br />Good luck<br /><br />RFISH >()>

 

[toomanyboats]

Re: How do you start your Merc?

I have a pair of old 1966 1100cc Mercs on my pontoon boat,one starts fine ,the other is stubborn,When cold I use a shot of starting fuild in the middle carb,not much just a little to give it a boost,Works every time and saves the battery and the starter,

 

[Troy_from _Oz]

Re: How do you start your Merc?

I dont know what others do, but i run my engine up on muffs before i leave home. That way I know everything is ok with it before I get to the ramp. I'm also working on the assumption that warming it up at home first will make restarting it (as opposed to starting it) at the ramp easier. <br /><br />There's nothing worse than having to think to myself "Please start, Please start" (as i look up at the boating gods) when im at a busy ramp and others are waiting. <br /><br />My motor is a little older than yours though (1971) <br /><br />Cheers<br />Troy

 

[Grady-White-Trash]

Re: How do you start your Merc?

I appreciate the tips. Im gonna print out robalo's reply and follow every step.<br /><br />Sunday was just awful. This is my first boat, I bought the hull in February, and finally found a decent motor (110 psi all cyls) in june. I rewired, installed, cleaned, spliced, you name it, and I have had nothing but trobule when I take it out. And that is the funny thing, everytime I test at home everything works, but all I have to do is put my Grady-white-trash in the water and something goes wrong.<br />Oh well, I guess that's the way it is, you win some you lose most...<br />Again, thanks for the great tips.

 

[y2j]

Re: How do you start your Merc?

80psi on all 4 cylinders and all i have to do even if i havent started it in a month is turn the key and give it 3 jabs of choke sometimes starts even if i forget to pump the bulb

 

[Spidybot]

Re: How do you start your Merc?

Humm. Even though one should have an identical motor to give good advice, I'll pass on some that I got from a very skilled Merc mech.:<br /><br />Tilt it down, pump the bulb until hard PLUS THREE MORE squeezes to make sure the fuel is filling all spaces and to help the choke (primer valve). The carbs doesn't flood easy so that shouldn't be a concern.<br /><br />From here it's like Robalos' list point 4 and on with the addition that it may need a little throttle in cold weather.<br /><br />BTW: Mine is a '91 4-cyl 115hp Merc.

 

[BF]

Re: How do you start your Merc?

I have an older V150, and the list posted above looks pretty good, except that I think it is better to have the fast idle engaged. <br /><br />My neighbor starts his 200 without fast idle engaged, and it's painful for me to witness (seems to be a real PITA, because it's just on the verge of starting, but doesn't quite make it). <br /><br />On mine it is also imperative that the engine is trimmed all the way down. If you're starting while it's still on the trailer to back it off, you can trim it down to start it, and once if lights up you can trim it up to back off.<br /><br />Brent

 

[KCLOST]

Re: How do you start your Merc?

Just a point to add,,,<br /><br />In the manual, I believe they also recommend to move the throttle to the fast idle position...<br />At least they do in my manual for a Merc. 175...

 

[Maximerc]

Re: How do you start your Merc?

What a great thread !! My 84 V6 150 acts about the same way I have had it on the water about 6 times I was just getting on to learning its tricks. I agree though VERY hard squeezing on the bulb ! my first engine with the cold start injector.. glad to know about the 10 second push and hold !! I crank the throttle up pretty good , its so loose its hard to tell where its at .. hope to fix that this winter. Something that I have been looking at is the fiberglass reeds ,, they say that makes starting easier.. any one know for sure ?

 

[Maximerc]

Re: How do you start your Merc?

Oh yea .. I have been known to start that 150 with a rope ... I cant believe it !! Warm it starts easier than a lawn mower !

 

[skier]

Re: How do you start your Merc?

I have a 1979 Merc 140 inline 6 and this is what I do and it works every time.<br /><br /> 1. Tilt motor down so that the prop and water pump is under water (All the way down is not needed).<br /><br /> 2. Pump bulb until hard and 2-3 squeeses to make sure.<br /><br /> 3. Advance throttle 1/4 (The carbs don't begine to open up until then. It's just advancing the timming).<br /><br /> 4. Push key in (For choke) and turn.<br /><br /> 5. Crank until it fires<br /> <br /> 6. Let go of the key and use the throttle to keep the RPM's at 1200 - 1500 until warm or ready to leave the dock (Which ever comes first).<br /><br />It really is simple to start these motors, you don't need starting fluid, or to have the motor at the lowest tilt position ( I can't tilt mine down when it is on the trailer and it fires every time), or to hit the choke after it starts, all the choke does is close a flap infront of the carb, holding it while counting to 10 does nothing at all unless it is a primer and then I believe that you have to push it and resease it a few times, but I am not sure on that one.<br /><br />Craig

 

[robalofish]

Re: How do you start your Merc?

GWT - your engine has no "Flaps" or butterflies to close the choke it has a solenoid, which allows fuel to flow from the top fuel bowl to the bottom two carburetor priming ports hence the reason for trimming all the way down which also allows the fuel to run towards the engine. Holding the choke for 10 count also allows gravity which is all that moves the fuel to do its job. The older in-line six is a different setup for the carbs.<br /><br />RFISH >()>

 

[JasonJ]

Re: How do you start your Merc?

I definatley concur with the primer bulb being squeezed till rock hard plus a few. Thats makes a huge difference on my old 69 1250.I never need the choke though. I start cranking with the throttle closed, and while cranking I open the throttle and it almost always starts fairly quickly. The only time it takes longer is if I didn't get the bulb rock hard plus some. Mine is also sensitive to voltage. If the battery is even a bit low, it can take longer to start. The Mercs have always liked having good voltage. I finally got around to replacing the rectifier and now that it is charging the battery, it runs much better and starts way easier due to the battery always being at full charge. I got a few hundred more rpms with the charging system working as well.

 

[mellowyellow]

Re: How do you start your Merc?

my '70 1150 likes to be primed twice for some reason?<br />when I get to the ramp and am pulling off the straps<br />and preparing to launch, I prime her. after she's<br />in I prime her 2nd time, advance fast idle arm<br />and she starts right up.<br />Troy has best meathod by far... warm her in drive<br />b4 u leave

 

[Merc90HPnewbie]

Re: How do you start your Merc?

I do the same thing- start it up in the driveway before going to the water. Not so much to warm it up as to make sure everything is working. Gives you the confidence to know that it will start at the launch when 3 families are lined up behind you wondering when the heck your motor will kick over and you'll get out of the way.<br />I agree on pumping the bulb till hard then a few times more, it works on my motor and doesn't flood. Never had to use starting fluid. I did read in 2 places that you shouldn't idle in neutral over 1000-1500 RPM. Some people seem to do this with no problem though.

 

[RJS]

Re: How do you start your Merc?

Wow, I'm glad I have a Merc EFI. It starts instantly regardless of the temperature (April through Nov in the NE). If it's any consolation, my carburated Yamaha was a pain in the ( | ) to start. I think it't the nature of carburated 2-strokes.