1993 60hp cranks but wont start 0d260043

[mytmouse]

New boat to me, had it on water 3 times. All 3 times, takes FOREVER to start, cranks but won't start. This morning was the final straw, I loaded her back up and didnt get a day of fishing in. I am thinking it is the Primer Ball as I can NEVER get it hard. I just squeeze, squeeze, squeeze, squeeze and it never gets "solid". Motor turns over fine but won't start.

When I can finally get the boat started (previous 3 times), it really sounded like a wheezing start in stead of a throaty cough if that makes any sense.

I need a good descrip of what the primer ball should be doing as I'm clueless to "proper feel". My belief is I should have to squeeze it a few (3-6??) times to get it hard. 30 Gal tank (sticker says), I have put 6, 11 and 3 gallons in since I have had it. All it does is crank, it will not turn over!! Chose not to put any fresh in this morning. New Plugs. Thanks in advance!

 

[thefairlaneman]

Re: 1993 60hp cranks but wont start 0d260043

More info needed. Will it re-start after it has warmed up? If so this could be a cold start issue/choke. The engine having a fuel pump only needs enough fuel pumped with the squeeze ball to prime the carbs on the first cold start crank. Another question is being sure the tank isnt vapor locked creating a back suction on the line. Does the tank have a vent hole? Im no expert but these are just some ideas .Also if the carb adjustments are not correct you can have this very hard to start problem. Has someone turned the screws without knowing how to adjust them correctly?

 

[mytmouse]

Re: 1993 60hp cranks but wont start 0d260043

Yes, restarts after finally starting. Week goes by then can't restart. No one in my posession has touched the screws, I know the previous owner, old boy, who didnt futz with anything, so assuming no. I just went back out to the garage, I squeezed the ball 30 times, not once did it change its hardness/softness.

 

[AMD Rules]

Re: 1993 60hp cranks but wont start 0d260043

I you have a friend with a spare fuel line it might save you some grief and eliminate your primer bulb, or connections as the problem. Bad bulbs have been known to cause a lot of grief. They are supposed to act like a check valve...allowing fuel to go one-way --> to the carb. If they faill...the fuel drains back to the tank, and/or the bulb never goes firm.... and you grow more frustrated with the Merc product line by the minute ... lol

There is rubber o-rings or gaskets in the connections that go brittle and fail over time as well.

New bulb/lines are relatively inexpensive and not a bad idea to have a spare on board anyways.

If its not that... my first guess is that the carb needle/seats are not seating properly and every continuous squeeze of the bulb sends more fuel into the crankcase or dolling out the front of the carb.... essentially its flooded before you even try to start it.

A hole in the fuel pump diaphram could allow this scenario as well... fuel ends up being sent directly into the crankcase through the pump. How does it run, once it has started? A hole in the fuel pump diaphram normally affects the operation overall.


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To start just about any older non fuel injected Merc when cold, I suggest the following sequence:

1) Squeeze primer bulb till just firm, then once more for fun as they like fuel (but not tooo much). It should stay firm.

2) Always Raise fast idle lever (this is essentially just a way to increase the throttle, off idle) all the way. Or advance the throttle arm when depressing the button...depends on your type on controls.

3) Push key, or button to choke and hold it. Or push tto engage the 'enrichment valve' in lieu of a choke, which simply drools fuel into the carb bowl.

4) Turn key to start

5) Adjust fast idle if necessary to return idle to a reasonable level < 1200 rpm, but still fast enough to stay running

6) Once motor has started to idle okay, try releasing choke (if equipped) quickly... if it sputters hold choke on a bit longer then release

7) Gradually reduce fast idle lever as it continues to warm up, until it is all the way down, motor should idle at or below 700 rpm in neutral if the prop is underwater, and about 800 or so if its running on muffs. Any higher and the gearbox takes a beating shifting into gear

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Let us know how you make out.

 

[mytmouse]

Re: 1993 60hp cranks but wont start 0d260043

Great Tips for Startup AMD... I dont see much fuel in carb, can't do both at same time so will have wife choke it and see if I see any fuel. Will the carb be wet? (I understand not soaking, but I should be able to feel wet fuel on choke correct? or see it?

 

[AEROCOOK]

Re: 1993 60hp cranks but wont start 0d260043

My primer bulb does the same thing, I found that by placing the bulb on a hard surface and then pounding on it with a closed fist several times quickly will get it hard.

 

[thefairlaneman]

Re: 1993 60hp cranks but wont start 0d260043

I know some will say not to do it but an "old school" method is to give it a quick shot of startin fluid directly into the carbs.(I mean just a little shot)....It will start before it floods out then.