87 inline 6 2st merc outboard help :(

mcsmonkeyshine

Recruit
Joined
Jan 15, 2010
Messages
5
My outboard has been serviced regularly and only seems to work right after the servicing. I have had 3 certified techs work on it and it seems very sluggish to start. I have had it serviced annually. I live in san diego so it is not a winter thing (I think) They all suggest not to use JumpStart fluid but it is the only way to get it alive after it sits for a month or so. Once running, i have had electrical problems, rewiring done, it has all of the making to be a great motor, the compression is reported excellent. I always have to have a freshly charged newer battery to get it to turn over and possibly use a 100 crankes or more to to warm it up to start. I have had the floats replaced and carbs rebuilt. I have owned it for 7 years and love when it runs good, am sour when it lets me down. can it become a trusty outboard?
 

jay_merrill

Vice Admiral
Joined
Dec 5, 2007
Messages
5,653
Re: 87 inline 6 2st merc outboard help :(

I've submitted this thread for being moved to the Mercury forum.

Never use starting fluid on a two-stroke engine - it has no lubricating qualities. Always use "premix" (gasoline and oil blend), if you need to spray some fuel in the carbs.

Once this thread has made it to the Mercury forums, wait for answers there. I'm sure the "gang" will help you out.



???
 

tashasdaddy

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Nov 11, 2005
Messages
51,019
Re: 87 inline 6 2st merc outboard help :(

My old inline 6, you use to practically flood it to start it cold. i would pump the bulb hard, then mash it with my foot. then it would start.
 

Chris1956

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 25, 2004
Messages
28,106
Re: 87 inline 6 2st merc outboard help :(

Pump up the primer bulb, and then hit the choke button. You should see raw fuel run ito the throats of the mid and lower carbs. If not, check the enrichener and wiring for proper operation.
 

narvlebenoit

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Nov 22, 2009
Messages
224
Re: 87 inline 6 2st merc outboard help :(

I have inline six 1991 90 h.p. trim it all the way up then pump the bulb till gas comes out the carbs then trim it all the way down put the cold start up push the key in turn to start and she fires right up.
 

Clams Canino

Commander
Joined
Jan 10, 2004
Messages
2,179
Re: 87 inline 6 2st merc outboard help :(

You don;t need to trim it up.. that just wastes fuel. Leave it tilted all the way back and mash the primer ball. Then crank it with SLIGHT throttle advance while keeping the choke activated. You really DO need to TRY to FLOOD them to cold start them.
The is engine can NOT be flooded - ever.

-W
 

mcsmonkeyshine

Recruit
Joined
Jan 15, 2010
Messages
5
Re: 87 inline 6 2st merc outboard help :(

one more question, would the air intake of the carbs be affected by the cover on vs. off the motor, it seems like the ideal works stand alone with the hose hooked to the motor in flush mode, and yet sometimes seems the ideal always needs to be adjusted up. of course with it up the engaging to run grinds quite a bit. any thoughts

thank you very much for the insite!
 

Chris1956

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 25, 2004
Messages
28,106
Re: 87 inline 6 2st merc outboard help :(

The motor will idle the same if the cowling is on or off, except if you have an internal exhaust leak. It then will run better with the cowl off.

On the flusher, the motor will idle faster than when in the water, due to backpressure of the water.
 
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