2000 90 hp 2 stroke won't start

[bjc8990]

I have a 2000 90 Hp Mercury 2 stroke won't start unless I spray starting fluid into the air intake. It will restart if you have the engine off for just a few minutes but if left off for a while I have to spray starting fluid.
Thanks John

 

[Texasmark]

Re: 2000 90 hp 2 stroke won't start

First off that is a 2 cycle engine requiring oil to be mixed with the fuel. Unless you are using a product such a Sea Foam (aerosol) which has oil included, you may be scuffing up your engine internally from running fuel without any lube.

Spraying into the intake means you removed the cowl and the cover off the sound box. Doing that means you bypassed the entire fuel system. What you said about restarting on it's own tells me that your fuel is draining back out of the supply system. This could be a bad squeeze bulb, fuel pump, or carburetor needle valve seating problem.

You didn't mention the maintenance history on that engine but if you haven't "been into it" lately, might upgrade the things mentioned and go from there....new bulb, fuel pump kit, and carb kits and associated cleaning; fuel filter wouldn't hurt while there and inspect fuel lines for leaks. If you find little pieces of rubber in the process, might as well go with new fuel lines too.

Mark

 

[bjc8990]

Re: 2000 90 hp 2 stroke won't start

Thank you for your reply. Sorry I omitted some useful information, I just bought this last summer, I do know maintenance was performed by a dealer. This unit had very little use, the previous owner was a relative. I've had experience with 2 stroke engines but this is my first Mercury outboard, I just wanted to insure I wasn't missing anything obvious. However I wasn't unaware that by removing the cowling (I only removed the cowling, I'm not sure what the sound box is) I bypassed the engine fuel system. I did use a oil based starting spray to start the engine. Up to this point the engine performed flawlessly, I put about 10 hours on it when this problem occurred. I will perform the suggestions you've made. Again thank you very much.
John

 

[racerone]

Re: 2000 90 hp 2 stroke won't start

A common mistake is made.----Most folks when buying a boat / motor are not aware that the key must be pushed in while cranking the motor.--That is how the choke / enricher is activated.