8 HP 2-stroke runs exactly 12 seconds......

[Stratocaster]

....and it will do this 10 times out of 10. Argghh!!! I am going crazy!!

It is (I think) a 1999 model year. It has a primer knob instead of a choke.

Here's what happens, every single time:
1. Turn speed control/primer knob to start position, fully clockwise.
2. Pull knob all the way out (prime position)
3. Start the engine.
4. Push the primer knob back in.
5. The engine runs and idles perfectly. For 12 seconds.

Repeat all of the above, with exactly the same result. I must have tried 50 times on my vacation, to get this thing going. Same result.

This may help diagnose the problem:
After it starts, if I pull the primer knob most of the way out, it will continue to run (a bit roughly) for as long as I keep the knob out. Push the knob in....sputter and die.

It ran great last year. I put new plugs in it this week. Fuel filter is clean. Fuel is fresh.

Any ideas????

Thanks in advance...

-Mike

 

[Stratocaster]

Re: 8 HP 2-stroke runs exactly 12 seconds......

Nothing? Guess you guys are as stumped as I am!

-Mike

 

[henrye718]

Re: 8 HP 2-stroke runs exactly 12 seconds......

pump ball while it continues to run. Does it help it stay running? You have a fuel delivery problem. Maybe floats are getting stuck.

 

[Stratocaster]

Re: 8 HP 2-stroke runs exactly 12 seconds......

Pumping the ball does nothing...it's a new tank, hose, ball and fittings, by the way.

I think I'm gonna start with cleaning or changing the main fuel jet. Next will be the fuel pump. I think parts for both are included in a Merc carb rebuild kit....

Thank for your suggestion.

-Mike

 

[dozerdoodle]

Re: 8 HP 2-stroke runs exactly 12 seconds......

sounds like your idle jet is clogged, sounds like your on right track, a good cleaing should get her goin. good luck

 

[Don S]

Re: 8 HP 2-stroke runs exactly 12 seconds......

Stratocaster, now there is a name I haven't seen around here for a while. how's it going Mike, ............... except for your motor that is.

That carb has the fuel pump, carb, primer all in one. A complete rebuild (including cleaning the passages in the fuel bowl) normally cures the problem.

 

[Stratocaster]

Re: 8 HP 2-stroke runs exactly 12 seconds......

Hi Don, I'm doing great. I have recently passed over the reins of BOC to Rob Schommer on the Motoryacht Forum, and I am relieved to be able to just participate as a forum member now

Guess I'm heading over to my friendly Merc dealer this weekend to buy a carb kit!

Thanks to all.