choke issue (starting procedure?)(solenoid?) 90 hp 6 cyl merc

[stratodoc]

The manual is on the way. I have a '87 (or '86?) 6 cyl 90 hp merc. When cold it doesn't want to start. I pump the fuel bulb until hard, push the key in to choke, and advance the throttle. No good. I found the choke activator switch inside the motor. When I hold this button with the ignition on, in about 10 seconds the fuel bulb will go soft, and when I pump it back up, it fires and runs fine. Am I doing something wrong with the key- choke switch? Also when the motor starts to kick, the starter will not hold its engagement (bad solenoid?). The battery is fully charged, and a meter on the (running) battery shows 12.80 Volts. Once the motor gets running, it runs fine and starts on the first try. This is a great site and I appreciate any help you can give. <br /><br />Thanks,<br /><br /> G

 

[skier]

Re: choke issue (starting procedure?)(solenoid?) 90 hp 6 cyl merc

Hello:<br /><br />I have had a total of 3 inline 6 Merc's and this is the easiest way to start them and it worked on all of the Merc's I have ever tried to start.<br /><br />1. Pump bulb til hard.<br />2. Advance throttle (Cold Start Lever)<br />3. Push and hold the choke<br />4. Turn key and crank until it starts<br />5. Once it starts let go of the hey and choke and bring RPM's down to 1500 until warm<br /><br />I hope this helps. Merc's are cold blooded bit__es ti start, but once lit, they usually stay lit.<br /><br />Craig

 

[andrewkafp]

Re: choke issue (starting procedure?)(solenoid?) 90 hp 6 cyl merc

Make sure the choke solonoid is working.<br />You should hear a click. Otherwise, have someone push it in and you go to the motor and look at the butterflies.<br />If it isn't engaging, then run a positive lead from the battery and engage it by by-passing the switch (Dont short any terminals or you could damage the rectifier).<br />If the choke is OK, could be fuel delivery to carbs via external or integral fuel pump or pumps.

 

[RVAHA]

Re: choke issue (starting procedure?)(solenoid?) 90 hp 6 cyl merc

It sounds like you may have a fuel enricher, not a choke. Holding the button in the back may allow the enricher to inject the fuel. This would explain why the bulb gets soft (pressure released due to fuel removal). You may want to check the switch in the front and make sure that it is doing the same thing that the switch in the back is doing.<br /><br />The Merc I have now as well as the Johnson before disengage while trying to start. I always thought this occurred because the engine may fire which would disengage the starter.<br /><br />Maybe someone else can shed more light on this.<br /><br />Thanks,<br /><br />Rick<br />Rick

 

[mellowyellow]

Re: choke issue (starting procedure?)(solenoid?) 90 hp 6 cyl merc

make sure butterflys are closing tightly!!!!<br />makes big diff.<br />good luck,<br />M.Y.

 

[stratodoc]

Re: choke issue (starting procedure?)(solenoid?) 90 hp 6 cyl merc

Thanks everyone. I do hear an audible click when I push the key in, but I do not see butterflies in the carbs. I guess this is how you determine if you have a fuel enrichment system versus a choke?

 

[RVAHA]

Re: choke issue (starting procedure?)(solenoid?) 90 hp 6 cyl merc

I bet that it's an enricher. My 1980 Merc 200 has this. <br /><br />If its like mine it has solenoid or valve that has a fuel in/out. The out hose runs to the carbs. <br /><br />You said that it clicks when operating at the motor. Does it do this from the control box?

 

[what200]

Re: choke issue (starting procedure?)(solenoid?) 90 hp 6 cyl merc

Around early 80's the inlines went to an enricher type system opposed to the earlier 2 choke butterflys. I'm not sure what the question is-- it sounds like you have your starting procedure down.<br />Pump bulb.<br />Hit choke.<br />Pump bulb again.<br />start with choke.<br /><br />The only thing I have to add is inlines need a lot of fuel to start (I'm guessing because of the way the reeds are setup.) If you tilt the motor in all the way and it will allow the fuel to flow back into the carb instead of out of it. If you want, when the bulb gets hard -- pump it a few more times -- these motors are hard to flood.<br /><br />Although not necessary - I find that having and electric fuel pump - I use a Holley red - makes starting easier and gives piece of mind against leaning cylinders from weak fuel pump.

 

[stratodoc]

Re: choke issue (starting procedure?)(solenoid?) 90 hp 6 cyl merc

It does click when you push the key in but I don't get that noticable softering of the fuel bulb. The bulb does get soft when you operate the enricher from inside the motor cover. Where would the fuel pump go (outside the motor?)

 

[stratodoc]

Re: choke issue (starting procedure?)(solenoid?) 90 hp 6 cyl merc

OK I looked up the holley red fuel pump and see it is an in- line unit. How is the unit activated (by demand or by a switch) Thanks for your help everyone.