'79 Merc. 20HP Won't Start

[billybass]

The only way that my 20hp Merc will start is to spray starting fluid in the carb or a little gas/oil mixture. After it starts for the first time it will start every time for the rest of the day, on the first pull of the crankrope. I was having trouble with keeping it running but after some good advice from some educated iboat members that problem no longer exists, thanks to them. Any help with this problem will be greatly appreciated.

 

[canadian_fisher]

Re: '79 Merc. 20HP Won't Start

Hey BillBass.

I have two suggestions:

One is to check the primer bulb is working and getting hard. Sometimes you need to pump it over 5-6 times before you feel gas starting to flow.

Two is to make sure your Manual choke is actually moving around.

Good Luck. CF

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: '79 Merc. 20HP Won't Start

never use starting fluid in a 2 stroke engine, it has no oil in it, burn extremely hot and will burn a hole in a piston!!! use premixed gas in a spray or squeeze bottle. only.

 

[billybass]

Re: '79 Merc. 20HP Won't Start

never use starting fluid in a 2 stroke engine, it has no oil in it, burn extremely hot and will burn a hole in a piston!!! use premixed gas in a spray or squeeze bottle. only.

Did you know that you can now buy a starting fluid with a top cylinder oil included in the spray can?

 

[JB]

Re: '79 Merc. 20HP Won't Start

If it doesn't say it is for 2 stroke engines, don't use it.

 

[Texasmark]

Re: '79 Merc. 20HP Won't Start

If you use Deep Creep you don't have to worry about oil as it was made just for that and for outboards. Deep Creep is Sea Foam in a can.

I agree with the fisherman. What your engine is telling you is that it can't get a rich enough mixture to light off cold. He named the sources. After the engine has started (and warmed up some) the fuel mix doesn't have to be so rich and fuel is available that wasn't before.

Mark