1995 90 HP Mercury Outboard - runs briefly then shuts down

[JamieClay]

I'm looking into possible reasons a 1995 Merc 90 outboard might not continue running after starting. It will start almost immediately then run for maybe a second or two before shutting down. This will repeat successively.

It feels like some sort of safety system is kicking into prevent damage to the motor - like maybe water flow or sufficient oil. It is very reminiscent of when a gas generator is low on oil and it automatically shuts down.

Any help with what to look for would be appreciated, thanks!

Jamie

 

[Texasmark]

Re: 1995 90 HP Mercury Outboard - runs briefly then shuts down

You prime the engine to start it. That's rich. When the engine is on it's own that's lean. You are running (trying to run) too lean which could be as simple as opening your low speed jets. That engine has a complicated setup procedure to get the linkage right to the carbs and timing at WOT and idle. Suggest you get a manual. They sell the Seloc on here and I have one and an OEM and the Seloc explains the procedure very well with pictures; better than the OEM if you ask me.

HTH,
Mark

 

[JamieClay]

Re: 1995 90 HP Mercury Outboard - runs briefly then shuts down

You prime the engine to start it... Suggest you get a manual. They sell the Seloc on here and I have one and an OEM and the Seloc explains the procedure very well with pictures; better than the OEM if you ask me.

HTH,
Mark

Thanks, do these motors have a self primer? It's electric start, there's no priming (manually). You're suggestion of getting the manual is one I've been considering but I'm not sure I'm going to buy the boat yet.

I was hoping this problem was something often run into - but apparently it isn't.

Thanks!