18 hp merc-hard to start

[river37091]

hello everyone,been awhile.problem,every third or fourth pull to start,the engineacts like it backfires.it will brake the rope if u aren't careful.could it be timing or flywheel key?thanks for any help.roy

 

[dolluper]

Re: 18 hp merc-hard to start

Could be but try checking your carb to see if your choke is working right or you have good fuel delivery to the carb

 

[DHPMARINE]

Re: 18 hp merc-hard to start

roy You may not be spinning the engine enough to start it.From my experience the only time you can physically break the starter rope is if it is too short,and you actually pull all of it off the recoil pulley.Think about it.can you break that rope with your bare hands? A backfire will probably pull your shoulder out of joint before breaking the rope.<br />Take your recoil starter off and get a new rope.When installed,the rope will fill the pulley to the limit and just barely fit into the housing. When you try to start the engine,several turns of rope remain arund the pulley,unless you are oulling from the front seat (grin).<br /><br />DHP

 

[river37091]

Re: 18 hp merc-hard to start

thanks guys,will replace rope and clean carb and let u know

 

[DHPMARINE]

Re: 18 hp merc-hard to start

roy,let us know how this works out.The part about the choke...I think using the choke moves a lever,presses a plunger,and opens a passage in your carb.It also pumps fuel into the intake,much like an accelerator pump does.<br /><br />But I'd fix the recoil first and try it<br /><br />DHP