'84 merc stubborn when restarting

[mercerfisherman]

I own an '84 Mercury, 50 hp., 4-cylinder. Starts great. Runs fine. But getting her to restart after she warms up is a bear. Usually I end of flooding her on restart. Rebuilt fuel pump, had her tuned up last fall. I'm told the butterfly valve on the carb may be stuck.. and is either not closing properly, or is not opening properly, thus causing either flooding or not enough air/fuel mixture. I may also be starting her incorrectly as well. Usually I always put the throttle in full forward (neutral) position when starting cold or warm. Somebody told me to restart the engine with the throttle (in neutral and upright position) and not in full forward (cold start position). Then again, someone else told me that either position is fine. Any thoughts, suggestions or comments? This is getting to be very disappointing and nerve-racking when on the water. I don't want to have to keep recranking the starter in fear that I'll wear it out. Already spent hundreds on a switch box two years ago. Ironically, when I check the spark plugs, they don't look gummed up with fuel at all. Clean and in great shape. Thanks.

 

[Plainsman]

Re: '84 merc stubborn when restarting

Have you tried starting both ways?

 

[mercerfisherman]

Re: '84 merc stubborn when restarting

Yes, I have tried to start 'er both ways. Doesn't seem to make any difference.

 

[Plainsman]

Re: '84 merc stubborn when restarting

What does "tune up" mean exactly? Were the carbs pulled and soaked in carb cleaner?

If you think the plates are sticking, maybe a Deep Creep treatment would help. With the engine running, spry some in the carb throat until it starts to stumble. It might loosen it up some.