2001 Mercury 90hp 2 stroke hard to start...

[Potemkin]

Have a 2001 Mercury 90hp 2 stroke outboard motor on my 16' Bayliner.
Lately it started to act odd...
It's hard to start for the very first time on water...
But once I can start it then during the day I can stop it and start with no problem what so ever!!!
At first it takes around 15 minutes to start, I'm afraid to kill the battery...
What it could be?
Would really appreciate any help!

 

[CharlieB]

Re: 2001 Mercury 90hp 2 stroke hard to start...

Your enrichener valve may be either gummed up and not flowing enough fuel or not working correctly.

Go here to download a copy of your service manual

http://forums.iboats.com/showpost.php?p=2072211&postcount=3

Look up and read the section on the enrichener, test to be sure that it is functioning correctly.

Repost your findings and if this has cured your problem.

 

[Potemkin]

Re: 2001 Mercury 90hp 2 stroke hard to start...

Thanks, CharlieB!!!
I'll try than on a weekend and will post my results.
Cheers,

 

[Potemkin]

Re: 2001 Mercury 90hp 2 stroke hard to start...

Well, I took out the spark plugs and all 3 are covered in black oil. Wet. I cleaned them and had the motor started with a first try! Next day the same thing- hard to start, so I did the same- took out spark plugs and cleaned them. It worked, but I mean, it's a pain in the butt to do it every time I want to start a boat... What could be a problem and what is the solution? What should I check first?