need help in starting outboard

[socalboataddict]

hi folks<br /><br />im fairly new to boating but am learning a lot here. <br />i just bought a used 1994 17' arima with a 90 mercury outboard. <br /><br />i've been trying to start the engine for the last two days with no success. <br /><br />my pre-start checklist of things to do:<br /><br />1. check for fresh fuel and hook up the water hose <br /> to engine.<br /><br />2. prime the fuel line. <br /><br />3. fuel is visible in filter. <br /><br />4. there is a red safety switch that i put in on <br /> position.<br /><br />5. turn the key to on position and choke the <br /> engine for about 5 seconds. <br /><br />6. turn the key to start.<br /><br />7. engine crank over, smoke coming out of the <br /> propeller. <br /><br />8. engine won't start!!!!<br /><br />I was only able to get it started once and it ran for about 10 seconds. <br /><br />other than that, it hasn't been going well.<br /><br />what else am I missing? <br /><br />thanks folks<br /><br /><br />regards<br /><br />jon

 

[Vlad D Impeller]

Re: need help in starting outboard

Do you know any of the recent repair history on this motor?<br />eg. like when was the waterpump last serviced?<br /><br />My reason for asking is, if the impeller has dry rotted, you will encounter an overheat problem and severely damage your engine if it is run prior to a few basic service requirements

 

[dtherrien]

Re: need help in starting outboard

socal,<br />You have to hold the choke in while you are cranking the motor. If you had it running once...was it running ok or did it quit wiyhin the 10 seconds?

 

[Silvertip]

Re: need help in starting outboard

Raise the fast idle lever on top of the contro box. Push and hold the key in while starting the engine. Thats the choke. Lower the fast idle lever when the engine starts but keep it at 1200 RPM or so until warmed up. You may need to bump the key a time or two during warm up if it tends to die off. Don't wait until it quits.

 

[socalboataddict]

Re: need help in starting outboard

hey guys<br /><br />i have tried all as recommended but to no avail. <br /><br />i have not been able to locate the idle control level on or near the control box and was thinking that it may not have one...is this possible?<br /><br />thanks again for your time in this matter. <br /><br />regards<br /><br />jon

 

[gss036]

Re: need help in starting outboard

I would guess that you has a round button on the lower left side of the throttle, push it in and advance the throttle a little bit. The button allows you to advance the throttle in nuetral. Now choke and turn the key. I am assuming this is carbed engine? Can you hear the enrichner click? It will be under the cowling on the left side(?) It is a round object and has a small button on the top. If you push that down it does the same thing as chocking. Click it to make sure it is working.<br />When you pump your fuel bulb, does it get firm?

 

[socalboataddict]

Re: need help in starting outboard

thanks everybody especially GSS036. I got the motor started and the p-hole sprouting water like crazy. <br /><br />Couldnt have done without your help. your comment re trottle button was definitely on point!!!!<br /><br />thanks again<br /><br />jon