81' Merc 80HP Starting Problems

[spidc60]

First of all, THANKS for this forum! It really helps "shade-trees" with our boats and problems. <br /><br />I just purchased a 81' Speedliner that has a 81' 80HP Mercury. It has a red band on the cowling. I will post the serial number tonight. Two problems with the motor. When starting sometimes the started does not engage the flywheel. From everything I have read it means that the piece that engages the flywheel is sticking because of the elements. Do I just pull the starter out and put WD-40 on it, or can I do it with the starter on the motor? Second problem, even when the starter catches the flywheel it is hard to start (cold). After it does start and runs for a couple of minutes, all I have to do is touch the starter and it fires. But after it sits, it is murder to start. The previous owner said that he pulled the idle lever all the way up (which does work most of the time), but I can't see that being good for the motor. I am assuming it is flooding and the high idle is opening up the butterflies to get more air..but what do I know. What should I do about this?

 

[CATransplant]

Re: 81' Merc 80HP Starting Problems

You can spray the WD-40 on the starter Bendix without pulling the starter. It might help, but might not, too, depending on the condition of the Bendix. It's worth a try.<br /><br />It may not be that the thing is flooding at all. It could be a case of a little low compression or a partially clogged idle jet. If pulling up the idle level works, then that's what I'd do. Once it starts, you can slow things down.<br /><br />If the engine runs fine and starts instantly when warm, use whatever formula works to get it fired up cold.<br /><br />That's not professional advice, of course, but it's what I'd do.