Hard starting mercury 18xd

[maineiac5586]

Hi, I am having trouble starting my motor. once I squeeze the primer and pull out on the choke/ primer, I can't get it started. I pulled about 15 times to no avail. I sprayed a little starting fluid through the carb and it started right up. It would start up every time after shutting it down after that. The issue re occurs if I pull the fuel line and let it run out of gas, then reconnect and repeat the starting procedure again (will not start again unless shot of starting fluid is sprayed), I took it to the dealer and they rebuilt the carn and primer assembly, replaced spark plugs and set timing and adjustments. I also cleaned the fuel filter. The dealer said the condition didn't happen for him (I find that hard to believe) I went to pick it up from him and asked him to try it for me and low and behold it acted up just like I dropped it off for. He said that the lever for the choke/ primer was worn (there is a toothed adjuster type clamp on top of the lever that adjusts a thin wire that goes up under the flywheel. The plastic teeth were coming apart and not maintaing adjustment so he ordered and replaced that part as well. I went to pick it up but he wasn't available for me to try to restart again, so I towed it home. Once home I tried it myself and the issue is still there. I just came in from pulling it 20 times and it still won't start. Please help, I tried to give as many details as possible here, thanks.

 

[MercMan82]

Re: Hard starting mercury 18xd

The choke flap should completely cover the carb and there should be little distance between the flap and the carb itself. If the choke isn't working correctly it WILL be hard to start. Check it closely. Did he happen to replace your fuel lines as well or just rebuild carb and fuel pump? Did he replace the float and needle when he rebuilt the carb?

 

[maineiac5586]

Re: Hard starting mercury 18xd

The choke flap should completely cover the carb and there should be little distance between the flap and the carb itself. If the choke isn't working correctly it WILL be hard to start. Check it closely. Did he happen to replace your fuel lines as well or just rebuild carb and fuel pump? Did he replace the float and needle when he rebuilt the carb?

yes he replaced the main jet and checked the other aspects of the carn, the choke plate is shut all the time regardless of position of primer lever, only time it starts to open is when you start twisting throttle to speed up engine. again, this condition only occurs after running fuel down from engine, (disconecting fuel line), when it won't start a quick shot of starting fluid will get it to start up and run fine. if you shut it down it will restart every time. I was able to get it to restart without starting fluid after running out of fuel by re priming, pulling out primer 3-4 times and pulling rope 4 times or so (this is on a warmed up engine), condition occurs on cold engine too, any more thoughts?

 

[MercMan82]

Re: Hard starting mercury 18xd

That's right, the 18xd has the primer diaphragm assembly. Surely the dealer knows about and correctly rebuilt the primer assembly according to the service bulletin #84-6 on potentially hard starting 18xd & 25xd motors. http://www.marinepartsman.com/Mercury-Marine-service-bulletins/Mercury-Mariner/1984/EN_06.PDF you should check the flange of the carb to see if it falls into that range and if so, ask the dealer, to verify he knows about it.

 

[Faztbullet]

Re: Hard starting mercury 18xd

I was able to get it to restart without starting fluid after running out of fuel by re priming, pulling out primer 3-4 times and pulling rope 4 times or so (this is on a warmed up engine), condition occurs on cold engine too, any more thoughts?

Not to be smart but that how you supposed to start it, just pulling out the choke primer once just wont do it...

 

[Poughkeepsie]

Re: Hard starting mercury 18xd

push and pull the choke out four or five times and it will squirt gas in the carb.....this is a enricher choke....pulling it out one time probally isn't enough gas....