I need some help starting my 2003 carbed merc

[rbowen]

I have twin 2003 150 mercurys and both of them are very cold natured. I replaced the spark plugs (@$10 a piece!!!!!)and it helped the problem a lot but them I began to start thinking about my starting technique. I have always owned carburated outboards, 6 different ones in the last 10 years all different makes and models. I have always used the same starting technique. I adjust the throttle to the fast ideal position. turn the key to the run position, push in on the choke, turn the key to the start position, starter engages. I will let the starter turn for 5-10 seconds and then stop. repeat the above procedure till the engine "hits" or fires. Once it does, I will then turn the key to the start position without pressing the choke. The motor will usually fire right away and I will adjust the throttle to keep the RPM below 2000 and press the choke in till the engine gets warm enough to run by itself, usually about 5-6 seconds, I then release the choke and slowly return the throttle to the neutral position. I have use this technique with all my 2 stroke outboards. I talked to an older gentleman a little while back and he said to "push the key in 3-4 times before starting because it squirts gas into the carbs". then release the key and just turn the engine to the start position. So basically what I am getting at here is what is the proper starting technique for a carburated 2003 150 Mercury outboard? Any help would be appricated so I can take proper care of my Mercury investment. Thanks.

 

[KCLOST]

Re: I need some help starting my 2003 carbed merc

Your procedure doesn't sound bad to me... BUT!!! Before you do any of that, repeatedly squeeze the fuel line bulb until firm... That will get fuel up to the pump prior to all your other processes. If you are not doing that, the fuel pump will be sucking air for a period of time before some finally makes it up to the pump where it can be sent to the carbs. Until that time, the engine will not fire or fire poorly....

 

[rbowen]

Re: I need some help starting my 2003 carbed merc

KCLOST, Sorry for leaving that part out, but I do already do that. Usually 2-3 pumps and they are firm. I noticed in your signiture that you have an 86 merc which is carbured. Do you have any problems starting it? I had twin 1984 mercurys before these and they were cranky sometimes, especially after sitting for a while, a week or two?? I spoke to my mechanic regarding this hard cranking and he noted that the carbs mercurys were noted for hard cranking but ran forever? Wondering if anyone else has experience with this and if what he said is true?

 

[KCLOST]

Re: I need some help starting my 2003 carbed merc

rb,<br /><br />To be honest I think my engine fires up pretty easily.... Here's what I do for a cold start....<br /><br />The engine is tilted all the way down...<br />Squeeze the primer bulb until firm (this may take up to 7-8 squeezes....<br />Move the throttle (in neutral) to the fast idle position.<br />Turn the key to start.<br />Just after the engine cranks, push in the key to actuate the choke... <br />It usually fires after about 3-4 seconds and revs up...<br />It will however start to die after about 5 seconds where at that time I will push the choke in some more (maybe a few times).<br />After stabilizing, I'll rev up the motor a little and go back to idle and everything will be fine..<br /><br />My biggest problem is resarting the engine after a "quick" shutdown from WOT. For some reason it will turn over and over and not even fire at all (sometimes). I'll have to try several times to get it to fire and this is when the engine is still hot. I guess the fuel is being drained out of the system when the engine is tilted out. This is rare, but has happened.

 

[rbowen]

Re: I need some help starting my 2003 carbed merc

Kclost, During the summer months, my motors fire fairly easily, but fishing during the winter is when the hard cranking comes in. That is usually when the choke comes into play even more, at least that has been my experience with cars. I will fish well into the winter months, probably into Janurary, it will only get colder! I want to make sure I am doing everything I can to get these things fired right so I don't put extra wear and tear on the motors. I guess the mans comment about "squirting gas into the carbs" kind of got me thinking. I appricate your help and others.

 

[gss036]

Re: I need some help starting my 2003 carbed merc

I run a 1989 Merc 200hp carbed and I use the same process as Kclost. I make sure the primer bulb is pumped, move the throttle to a fast idle, press the key in and then to start, after 2-3 tries it usually starts right up and then I sometimes have to use the choke again. Inever run up past 2000 rpm unless I am in gear. I fish the winter also and this works for me.

 

[rbowen]

Re: I need some help starting my 2003 carbed merc

GSS, thats not the same process as KC. You do as I do, push choke and then turn start. KC turns to start and as soon as it fires, he then pushes the choke. That's the fine line that is different. If yours is starting after 2- 3 times, I guess mine does roughly the same thing. I have to run the starter 2-3 times for roughly 5-7 seconds to get the motor to hit/ fire. Then I back off the choke and turn to start. It fires up and I then push the choke in a few more times till the motor idles on it's own. Then pull the fast ideal back to idle and let if finish warming up.

 

[KCLOST]

Re: I need some help starting my 2003 carbed merc

It's basically the same thing... I push the choke in right after I turn the key before it fires... Once it fires I release the choke...

 

[rbowen]

Re: I need some help starting my 2003 carbed merc

I apologize. I took it that you pushed the choke once it cranked/ fired. After a re-read, I get it a little better now. Once the starter ingages, you push the key in. We're on the same page now!

 

[Barnacle_Bill]

Re: I need some help starting my 2003 carbed merc

Try this, keeping in mind that the enrichner works off the top carb. After pumping up the bulb, Turn the key on, push in and count to 5 slowly, then start the motor. This gives the enrichner time to get fuel down to the lower carbs.

 

[rbowen]

Re: I need some help starting my 2003 carbed merc

IBFSHIN, what is the enrichner? That's a new one to me?

 

[KCLOST]

Re: I need some help starting my 2003 carbed merc

enricher, choke.... Basically the same thing on a V6.... But on our v6's it says to "push to choke" on the key switch...<br /><br />I'm assuming you have the same type of system...

 

[gss036]

Re: I need some help starting my 2003 carbed merc

As you are facing the engine w/cowling off, it will be on you left, a black thing about 2-3 inches long and it will have a little nipple sticking up on the top of it, with the key on, push on the nipple and you should hear ir click.

 

[Barnacle_Bill]

Re: I need some help starting my 2003 carbed merc

Enrichners take the place of the old butterfly type choke,

 

[chumbucket]

Re: I need some help starting my 2003 carbed merc

I just fired up my 82 150 after couple week's idle and start's after 3-4 try's . Same thing every fall when weather get's little cool. 55 up here today.Warm weather starting is ok.Merc carb motor's like warm weather.

 

[BillP]

Re: I need some help starting my 2003 carbed merc

rbowen,<br />On hard starting motors I try to isolate the problem to either spark or fuel by removing plugs and squirting gas into the cyls. If fuel it usually fires quickly. Then look at choke and fuel delivery system not priming well.