1973 Mercury 500 hard to start cold

[SilverSS07]

Hey guys. I just got the boat a few days ago and have been playing with it a little. The motor takes a while to start when you're starting it for the first time. Once it's warm it fires up instantly. The guy I bought it from said he rebuilt the carbs a few months ago. I probably had to turn it over 5 or 6 times for about 5-10 seconds each time before it would start. The plugs looked good Primer bulb was full of fuel. I tried starting it with the choke and without and it seems to make no difference. I don't think the choke is working. Is there an way to test it? It made no noises when I pushed the choke button in. I ordered a repair manual but am still waiting for it to get here! Thanks.

 

[chum1]

Re: 1973 Mercury 500 hard to start cold

might be as simple as pulling cover and checking to see if the plunger moves for choke, also a good idea to check for fuel leaks while running.

 

[SilverSS07]

Re: 1973 Mercury 500 hard to start cold

Couldn't find any fuel leaks but I did find the manual choke lever lol. She fires right up instantly cold with the choke on manually. Now I've just gotta figure out what the problem is there.

 

[SilverSS07]

Re: 1973 Mercury 500 hard to start cold

Does anyone know what where to find the choke solenoid? Or a part #? I'm not having any luck searching.

 

[carholme]

Re: 1973 Mercury 500 hard to start cold

Here is the choke solenoid (item 1), mounted directly above the top carburetor.

http://www.crowleymarine.com/mercury-outboard/parts/449_9.cfm

Another thing about the start procedure, are you using the warm-up lever?

Gerry

 

[SilverSS07]

Re: 1973 Mercury 500 hard to start cold

I saw that but thought it was for the whole assembly- not just the solenoid. Solenoids are usually prettty cheap. I used the warm up lever but it didn't really seem to make a difference. As long as I pull the manual choke it works perfect and starts and idles instantly whether slow or fast.

 

[Alumarine]

Re: 1973 Mercury 500 hard to start cold

The solenoid might be fine, it could be a wiring problem.
Check to make sure the solenoid is getting power when you push the electric choke in.

 

[SilverSS07]

Re: 1973 Mercury 500 hard to start cold

I'm really hoping it's a wiring issue lol. If it's not then it's the solenoid though. Just trying to get one lined up just in case it's not the wiring. Honestly I don't know if I'd drop over $200 on a solenoid though. I might see if I could connect some type external manual choke cable to it. We'll know more tomorrow. Hope for the best, plan for the worst

 

[carholme]

Re: 1973 Mercury 500 hard to start cold

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_trksid=p4069.m570.l1313&_nkw=54293A11&_sacat=0

Gerry

 

[SilverSS07]

Re: 1973 Mercury 500 hard to start cold

Well I got lucky and it's the wiring. Solenoid works fine. I might bid on some of those on eBay though just to have a spare if I can get it at a good price! Thanks guys