Cold Start Procedure? Right Or Wrong?

[DJ_Allatoona]

I'm swallowing a little pride here, asking this, but my new (not so new) motor is tough to start cold, and I was wondering if I'm handling it properly. It's a 1986 Mercury outboard, 75 hp, 4-cyl. Here's how I've been starting it cold:

I lower the motor all the way, then pump the fuel bulb until it's firm. Then I raise the fast idle lever all the way, hit the electric choke, and start cranking.

One-one thousand...
Two-one thousand...
Three-one thousand...
Four-one thousand...
Five-one thousand...

Crank, crank, crank...nothing. OK, so I go back to the fuel bulb. It's not firm anymore, so I pump it some more. By now, some fuel is dripping into the water. Back to the key: Choke it, and crank some more.

Crank-crank-crank-crank...(now I'm starting to worry if the battery will hold out)...repeat with the primer bulb.

Crank more. This time after five seconds, maybe I'll get a pop. Crank a couple more seconds, and the motor starts, really rough, and sends out enough smoke to hide a battleship. I keep the fast idle lever up for 10 seconds or so, revving it high, then I lower it. From then on, I'm cool.

Long message, I know, but I envy those guys whose motors fire right up, even ice cold, on the first pop. By the way, and this might be clear, but nobody ever taught me how to start this motor properly.

Appreciate any input. Thanks.

 

[ddennis]

Re: Cold Start Procedure? Right Or Wrong?

I would not begin with the fast start lever all teh way up, you may be flooding it out.. other than that It may need a carb rebuild and check the timing.

 

[commonarcwelder]

Re: Cold Start Procedure? Right Or Wrong?

If its a leaking gas in the water; not good. You have a problem somewheres in your fuel system....Fuel line leak or gas is going past the needle valves in your carb. or carbs. Try pulling the cowling and pumping on the bulb looking for the leak. New fuel lines and/or carburetors need rebuilding.

 

[jrpatty@live.com]

Re: Cold Start Procedure? Right Or Wrong?

Its sounds like you are flooding the motor. I never choke or give my merc gas to start it unless it wont start without it. I would pump the bulb and start the motor. If it wont start after about 5 seconds then i would choke it. The only way i would give it the fast idol is if it just wont stay running once you hear it pop a few times.
Your bulb should not loose prime so fast, you need to find your leak. It could be dangerous