1985 Merc 115HP Starting Problems

zooba

Cadet
Joined
Jul 9, 2003
Messages
11
I have a 85' Mercury 115HP Outboard (In Line 6) which has some difficulty starting. Last year I had the carborators rebuilt, and replaced the rectifier & stater. The engine ran like new. This year with just basic maintenance the engine is having trouble starting. <br /><br />It almost seems that its not receiving enough fuel or air is getting in the line. The fuel line is only one year old. The ball is tight prior to turning the engine over. It usually takes about 8 attempts with me having to constantly press the choke in to start get it started. <br /><br />Once the engine is started it runs well, but if its left sitting for a while I'll need to move the throttle forward prior to starting as opposed to just cranking it. <br /><br />Would appreciate any suggestions. Thanks in advance. <br /><br />zooba72@hotmail.com
 

Hooty

Rear Admiral
Joined
Oct 2, 2001
Messages
4,496
Re: 1985 Merc 115HP Starting Problems

Sounds to me like you've figured out the starting prcedure. Did you winterize it this past winter? If the engine set all winter with fuel in the carbs, they may need cleaning again.<br /><br />c/6<br /><br />Hooty
 

zooba

Cadet
Joined
Jul 9, 2003
Messages
11
Re: 1985 Merc 115HP Starting Problems

Appreciate the response. We did winterize the engine last year. We used stabilizer in the gas tank, flushed the engine, greased, and used CRC fog in the cylinders. I'm already on my fourth tank of gas and the problem persists. How would you recommend that I clean the carborators? Thanks again.
 

Hooty

Rear Admiral
Joined
Oct 2, 2001
Messages
4,496
Re: 1985 Merc 115HP Starting Problems

Carbs should be ok then. You could do a link and sync and see if that helps but what you're having to do to get it started doesn't sound all that bad to me. Did it start easier at one time? Is the idle rpm where it belongs?<br /><br />c/6<br /><br />Hooty
 

zooba

Cadet
Joined
Jul 9, 2003
Messages
11
Re: 1985 Merc 115HP Starting Problems

It was much easier to start the engine last year. Engine idles at approximately 800 RPM's. Can you tell me what you mean by link & sync? Thanks
 

frusterated

Cadet
Joined
Jul 2, 2003
Messages
7
Re: 1985 Merc 115HP Starting Problems

Try dumping a can of sea foam in the tank. That stuff will clean any thing. :D
 

Virago85

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Mar 7, 2004
Messages
121
Re: 1985 Merc 115HP Starting Problems

Try tilting the motor all the way down Ive never been able to start any merc with out hold the choke untill the motor starts its hard to get the fuel around the crank and in to the cylinders with out the moter tilted some what back
 

Mercury140-I6

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Nov 6, 2003
Messages
339
Re: 1985 Merc 115HP Starting Problems

Virago85:<br /><br />I totally disagree with having to have the motor all the way down to fire it. You should be able to fire it as long as the water inlets are under water. Mine actually starts easier tilted up a little. But you are correct about pushing the choke and holding while cranking and as soon as she fires, let go of the key and choke.<br /><br />Craig
 

gewf631

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Mar 4, 2003
Messages
489
Re: 1985 Merc 115HP Starting Problems

Interesting discussion, but this post was started last year - July to be exact. Talk about a Resurrection!
 
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