How much do you prime with the bulb?

[s.d.willie]

Hey guys,

New to boating and this forum was just curious how many times are you supposed to squeeze the primer bulb. I have a 90 HP Mercury 2 stroke outboard on my boat and my maiden voyage was almost a nightmare. Got the boat in the water no problem but when it came time to start? She just wouldn't. Battery was fine, full tank of gas, etc. Boat was running fine with previous owner when I took it out with him. Stupid me had no tools and an angry girlfriend to boot. Luckily the dock wasn't crowded at all that day. Primed it at least 4 more times and the previous owner (via phone call)told me I flooded it. After an hour of waiting I gave up and went home. Fast forward two days later (today) I go outside and put a set of muffs on the outboard, prime once hit the key and it won't start. I squeeze the bulb 2 more times and she won't turn over. Finally i take the air box off and spray some brake parts cleaner in the carbs and she turns over no issue. My question is am i not squeezing the primer bulb hard enough? It definitely feels pretty firm to the touch but it seems like the engine wasn't getting fuel. I also do not see any type of manual choke by the throttle lever on this 1998 Larson Flyer 166. Any help appreciated.

 

[ondarvr]

Until it's firm.

​Are you pushing the key in when trying to start it.

 

[racerone]

Need to understand how an ENRICHER works on this motor.-----There are no choke flappers.

 

[flyingscott]

The cold start procedure for your motor is as follows.
#1 Pump the primer until hard
#2 advance the throttle until you feel resistance. Depending on your remote either a button in the middle of the handle has to be depressed to disengage the shifter. Or you have a second lever.
Push the key in or lift up on primer switch whichever you have. now start the motor with the key depressed or switch pushed
When the motor starts release the primer and let it warm up.

 

[s.d.willie]

The cold start procedure for your motor is as follows.
#1 Pump the primer until hard
#2 advance the throttle until you feel resistance. Depending on your remote either a button in the middle of the handle has to be depressed to disengage the shifter. Or you have a second lever.
Push the key in or lift up on primer switch whichever you have. now start the motor with the key depressed or switch pushed
When the motor starts release the primer and let it warm up.

I did not advance the throttle at all nor did I use the key primer as well I just kept it in neutral. I do have a round button in the middle of the throttle when used and throttle lever FWD it disengages the gears. Boat was probably fine but I wasn't doing the right thing. It happens I guess. It's a learning curve I will get. Thanks for this post.

 

[flyingscott]

Be ready to pull the throttle back when it starts so it doesn't over rev. The starting will be a learning curve.

 

[s.d.willie]

Be ready to pull the throttle back when it starts so it doesn't over rev. The starting will be a learning curve.

Gotcha, thanks.