how cold for the cold start button?

[TenE307]

ive had a problem starting a 1991 100hp motor these last two weekends. the problem only happens the first morning off of the trailer. temps in the low 50s. the motor usually starts like a champ. these last two weekends are the first time i didnt want to start. what the motor would do was turn for a second then spurt then the starter would spin. finally started after about 20th key turn and about 1/2 throttle. it starts and runs like a champ the whole rest of the day. there is a cold start button on my motr and was wondering what this button does and would it help?

 

[morge]

Re: how cold for the cold start button?

This is uncanny. I had exactly the same thing happen last Saturday AM at the boat launch with my 72 Merc 650. It nomrally fires up OK but Saturday it seemed it did not want to turn over long enough to fire correctly, just turn or two then it would disengage and I would have to wait for the starter to stop spinning, then try again. I got it to go by playing with the high idle lever adn once running, it was fine for hte rest of the weekend.

 

[LubeDude]

Re: how cold for the cold start button?

Use it, thats what its there for. Use it every time you start the engine reguardless of how worm or cold it is, your engine will start "MUCH" easier.

 

[TenE307]

Re: how cold for the cold start button?

what is the correct procedure to use the cold start button?

 

[andrewkafp]

Re: how cold for the cold start button?

Squeeze bulb,engage choke fully and crank. Don't let the starter run for too long (about 5 seconds)When it kicks over release choke. Mercs are cold blooded and need a good choking.

 

[TenE307]

Re: how cold for the cold start button?

i have an actual button on the top of my motor that is for cold starting, i just dont know how to use it.

 

[danie]

Re: how cold for the cold start button?

Are you sure its a cold start button??<br />Why would it be that far removed from the control box and key?

 

[TenE307]

Re: how cold for the cold start button?

the manual calls it a cold start button, it just doesnt tell me how to use it? seems like a pain to open the cowl and push a button, but if it starts the motor easier (when cold) ill just have to play around with it.

 

[LubeDude]

Re: how cold for the cold start button?

I thought you were talking about the push in around the key, Enrichment circuit, also used for starting a cold engine. Im not familiar with what you are talking about.<br /><br />If your battery isnt at the top of its charge, it will cause what you are explaining.

 

[TenE307]

Re: how cold for the cold start button?

my starting procedure (first start of day) after it starts once only a key turn is needed<br />- pump bulb till hard<br />- turn key to first click<br />- push in key 5 sec<br />- turn key to start<br /><br />im guessing my cold start procedure would be<br />- pump bulb till hard<br />- open cowl and push cold start button a couple of seconds<br />- turn key to first click<br />- push in key 5 sec<br />- turn key to start

 

[gss036]

Re: how cold for the cold start button?

I would think that the item you are talking about is the enrichener valve, which has a small nipple sticking up on top of it for you to push down on. That allows fuel to flow into the top carb.If the ignition switch is working properly, it is doing the same thing. After you have the engine running at idle, push in the key and see if it will flood and kill the engine, if so, then I would assume that it is working and you can do the same thing manually with the cowling off.

 

[TenE307]

Re: how cold for the cold start button?

thanks ill try that.<br />so pushing in the key and pushing down the nipple do the same things.<br />i shouldnt push in the key any more once it spurts and spins the starter or should i. because i have to throttle half way for it to finally start after about 20 turns. so i would think it has plenty of fuel.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: how cold for the cold start button?

Having the throttle lever raised does not give it more gas, it gives it more air and once started, it provides fast idle. Its the choke/primer (holding the key in while cranking) that provides the extra fuel needed for cold starts.