90 merc 2 stroke hard to start cold on 08 suntracker fishin barge

kenbob62

Cadet
Joined
Apr 21, 2011
Messages
10
it has to crank way too long to start,once it warms up it fires up just touching the key,but after cool down it goes back to long crank time,i am moving the throttle up a little but it doesant seem to help on cold start,and when it finally fires it runs crappy for 15 seconds,do these things have chokes ? yes i am priming the bulb.can anyone explain thier cold start proceedure so i can match it to mine.
 

lncoop

Vice Admiral
Joined
Apr 18, 2010
Messages
5,147
Re: 90 merc 2 stroke hard to start cold on 08 suntracker fishin barge

Welcome aboard kenbob. What you have is an enricher which is activated by pushing in the key. I have a ninety horse two stroke Merc on my barge as well and here's my procedure. Seems to be necessary whether the temp is ninety degrees or nine (and yes I've had it out in nine degree weather:eek:). Push the key in and hold for a ten count or so then release. Engage the idle throttle the way you have been, then turn the key to start while once again pushing in the enricher. Once she fires up hold the enricher in until things smooth out (shouldn't take long at this point), let her run just above idle for a few seconds to get good and warm, then kick her back down into idle. She should be purring like a kitten at that point. Based on your description I think what you're experiencing is perfectly normal. Let us know if that routine works for you.:cool:
 

Silvertip

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Sep 22, 2003
Messages
28,771
Re: 90 merc 2 stroke hard to start cold on 08 suntracker fishin barge

You should not have to HOLD the key in after the engine fires. Release it when it fires, but be ready to bump it (push in quickly) to provide a bit of extra fuel if the engine tends to die. Don't wait until it nearly dies before doing this, Be ready! Also be aware that the enrichener will not work for the 10 count process unless the primer bulb is firm. Generally one or the other processes is sufficient. By the other processes I mean use either the 10 count OR holding the key IN while cranking. Too much of a good thing results in a flooded engine. Practice either of these processes and you should find a technique that works for your engine. The fast idle lever is there for a reason -- use it.
 

lncoop

Vice Admiral
Joined
Apr 18, 2010
Messages
5,147
Re: 90 merc 2 stroke hard to start cold on 08 suntracker fishin barge

You should not have to HOLD the key in after the engine fires. Release it when it fires, but be ready to bump it (push in quickly) to provide a bit of extra fuel if the engine tends to die. Don't wait until it nearly dies before doing this, Be ready! Also be aware that the enrichener will not work for the 10 count process unless the primer bulb is firm. Generally one or the other processes is sufficient. By the other processes I mean use either the 10 count OR holding the key IN while cranking. Too much of a good thing results in a flooded engine.

Yes, that's right. Forgot to mention that. Thanks Silvertip.
 

muskiemike12

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Apr 7, 2010
Messages
153
Re: 90 merc 2 stroke hard to start cold on 08 suntracker fishin barge

My father-in-law has that motor and it is a cold blooded SOB. They have it right. Prime bulb, adjust idle up, push in key while cranking. Sometimes you need to rev the heck out of that piece of s@%t to keep it running. I hate inline 3 motors. I have never had a good one.
 

lncoop

Vice Admiral
Joined
Apr 18, 2010
Messages
5,147
Re: 90 merc 2 stroke hard to start cold on 08 suntracker fishin barge

My father-in-law has that motor and it is a cold blooded SOB. They have it right. Prime bulb, adjust idle up, push in key while cranking. Sometimes you need to rev the heck out of that piece of s@%t to keep it running. I hate inline 3 motors. I have never had a good one.

Whoa Nellie. Tell us how you really feel LOL.:eek: They are cold blooded, but I wouldn't say they're POS, at least not mine. She's proven herself to be nearly bulletproof. I'm not going to tell her you said that because it will hurt her feelings.:p
 

muskiemike12

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Apr 7, 2010
Messages
153
Re: 90 merc 2 stroke hard to start cold on 08 suntracker fishin barge

I have called it alot worse than that! It could be he didn't break her in right. I know how he drives a car.
 

kenbob62

Cadet
Joined
Apr 21, 2011
Messages
10
Re: 90 merc 2 stroke hard to start cold on 08 suntracker fishin barge

thanks for all the great suggestions,sounds like you guys are right,i wont be able to try it till it gets nicer out here in jersey(rain this weekend) i bought the boat used from a used car dealer in tenn last year and its also a bank repo. so i got no info on this boat other than it was hardly used,i was a member of that other pontoon forum but got tired of my login info getting deleated every 6 months ,thanks again...... kenny in jackson nj
 
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