1987 50 HP Mercury Outboard

[jbsmith]

My husband I refurbished an 87 pontoon boat. The motor will only start in high idle. We can get it started at home but as soon as we trailer it somewhere it won't start without starting fluid the first time. Any ideas?

 

[GA_Boater]

Welcome aboard.

After you get it going, it starts OK the rest of the day? What is your starting procedure? Are you using the choke and pumping the primer bulb until it's firm?

BTW - Starting fluid isn't good to use on a 2 stroke engine, it tends to wash the oil off of critical places and lead wear. It's better to use some 50-1 pre-mix fuel.

 

[jbsmith]

It will usually start unless we have been sitting for a ling time. We pump the ball and choke it. I will never start in normal idle. It has to be in very high idle. We will mix up a spry bottle of fuel. Thanks,