2011 mercury 115 efi 4 stroke hard to start

Joined
May 8, 2020
Messages
4
I'm hoping someone can lead me in the right direction. I have a 2011 Mercury 115 EFI 4 stroke that will not start without a shot o starting fluid. Once warm it starts but after sitting about 30 minutes it needs starting fluid again. Runs great once started. I drained and cleaned gas tank, new fuel filters and spark plugs. Refilled with 93 octane ethanol free fuel. Any help is greatly appreciated.
 

Texasmark

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Dec 20, 2005
Messages
14,897
Sounds to me like you aren't priming it on the first question. On the second, I'd say the check valve in the squeeze bulb isn't holding the fuel in the line.....letting it drain back into the tank. Thought about a new fuel line (with a new squeeze bulb) between the tank and engine?
 

Faztbullet

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 2, 2008
Messages
15,937
Need to have tested to see if any codes are being thrown. Sounds like ECU is getting oil pressure value and not cycling hi pressure pump at key on/crank position
 
Joined
May 8, 2020
Messages
4
Thanks for responses. I kinda figured I would end up taking it to shop for computer diagnosis. I didn't want to be without it most of summer as shops are backed up here.
 

Texasmark

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Dec 20, 2005
Messages
14,897
Have you tried to purchase a code reader? Places like ebay have lots of things for sale for different reasons. I bought a universal code reader for autos and trucks recently. I know the volume of the market is 100x but you never know. Don't ask the question, can't expect an answer.

Bad idea. Scan tools are running 4 digits.....like a $ and XXXX.XX Sorry.
 
Last edited:
Joined
May 8, 2020
Messages
4
This boat nor any larger boat I've ever owned has had a primer bulb. Should I have one given the high pressure fuel pump and EFI.
 

Texasmark

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Dec 20, 2005
Messages
14,897
Never mind, looked at owners manual and it has in bold print DO NOT INSTALL PRIMER BULB ON THIS ENGINE.

Well Pilgrims ( John Wayne westerns) how do you expect to get fuel up from the tank to the engine for starting, especially since some tanks are much lower than the engine fuel inlet? Engine fuel pump have a large case of sucker power?

Also, you don't install them "IN" the engine they are in the fuel line "TO" the engine.
 

Faztbullet

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 2, 2008
Messages
15,937
Has mechanical lift pump to fill VST. VST stays filled to supply pressure to fuel rail.
 

Texasmark

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Dec 20, 2005
Messages
14,897
Has mechanical lift pump to fill VST. VST stays filled to supply pressure to fuel rail.

I guess that answers the sucker power of an onboard pump. Thanks. Faz, the more I follow you the more I like my little 2+2. Nice and simple so I can work on it......"shade tree mechanic" style. Grin
 
Top