Correct Starting of a Mercruiser

[neilmw]

You can put this in the top 10 of most stupid questions asked, but.............<br />I have a 165hp merc 1987, I normally start the engine ok but do on occasions end up flooding it, I have not owned an i/o before so really just guessing that I start it correctly. What I normally do is:<br />1, Engage throttle only button and pump lever forward and back several times.<br />2, turn engine over and pump throttle lever forward and back at the same time until engine starts.<br />Does this sound right, if not any help appreciated.

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: Correct Starting of a Mercruiser

Not quite right.<br /><br />Do the throttle thing twice. The first pump sets the choke and shoots some gas. The second time just shoots some more gas. Then try starting it. If it doesn't start, pump it a couple more times and try starting it again. Repeat until it goes. But don't keep pumping and pumping. If the carb is dry you'll tear the rubber boot on the accelerator pump, or flood the motor if there is gas in there.<br /><br />The more EFI cars become common, the fewer people know how to operate a choke. It's quickly becoming a dying art. Good luck.

 

[zimzim99]

Re: Correct Starting of a Mercruiser

I've had my boat a few weeks now and have to take the bolt off the air cleaner and stick pliers in to hold the flapper open to get more air. I flood it almost everytime, even with just one quick pump. I am going to have a friend who is a mechanic take a look at it.

 

[Scaaty]

Re: Correct Starting of a Mercruiser

Originally posted by WillyBWright:<br />The more EFI cars become common, the fewer people know how to operate a choke. It's quickly becoming a dying art. Good luck.

Boy, are you right on that! I have to remind myself on my 24 footer. And a mechanic aint a mechanic if he can't start and old kicker Harley.

 

[Scaaty]

Re: Correct Starting of a Mercruiser

Originally posted by Invader86:<br /> take the bolt off the air cleaner and stick pliers in to hold the flapper open to get more air. I flood it almost everytime, even with just one quick pump. I am going to have a friend who is a mechanic take a look at it.

PLEASE....so you don't blow then thing up. VERY BAD IDEA taking off the flame arrester

 

[neilmw]

Re: Correct Starting of a Mercruiser

cheers, will give it a go