1979 Merc 2 stroke 4 cylinder 50hp

[Fennigen]

So we have this running. Cleaned carburetors, changed impeller, it Pees when running and will engage into gear just fine. New CDI.
it will NOT start the first time without just the slightest spray of starting fluid. Once it is running, it is fine to start the second and third times....unless it is off for 30 minutes....then it refuses. New gas tank, new gas line, yup done that too!
Any ideas?! It is so crazy!

 

[GA_Boater]

Tell us how you start it when cold. The procedure.

 

[Fennigen]

When cold; squeeze primer, choke up, turn key. It turns over but doesn’t fire. Give more throttle, turn key; no fire. Squeeze bulb, back off throttle, no fire.
smallest spit of starting fluid, fires and runs.
turn off, wait 3-5 minutes, turn key, fires and runs, no problem!
Wait 30 minutes, no fire.

 

[racerone]

So you are raising the fast idle lever.------Are you pushing the key in or pushing a button for choking while cranking it over ???----Excessive cranking can easily damage the starter so be careful.

 

[Fennigen]

Pulling the choke lever up on the motor. Avoiding excessive starting as much as possible; hence when it won’t fire, the little shot of starter fluid gets it running.

 

[racerone]

One more try.-----Do you hear the choke solenoid clicking?----Turn key to on and push in.---Or operate button to activate choke

 

[Chris1956]

The original MerControl would have a choke button. Newer ignition keys and controls could have push to choke. You need to choke that motor to start it, so find out what you have.

To start that motor, cold start lever all the way up. Pump primer until hard. Hold choke button down(or push key in) and crank her until she fires.

You might make sure choke solenoid is pulling choke flaps closed, when choke button is pushed.