Manually starting an electric start Mariner

skategoat

Seaman
Joined
Mar 29, 2004
Messages
74
Yesterday, I tried to manually start my '98 Mariner 50HP four-stroke. I figured it would be good practice in case my battery died while I was out on the water. <br /><br />My emergency pull cord disappeared long ago so I used a replacement cord.<br /><br />Wrapped it around the flywheel 3-4 times an yanked with all my might - with zero success. Tried it a dozen times but all I could manage was one compression stroke and the motor never fired.<br /><br />Is there some trick to this or is the whole emergency start procedure a lark? Good thing I have a VHF.<br /><br />Henry
 

andrewkafp

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Mar 15, 2003
Messages
1,668
Re: Manually starting an electric start Mariner

There is a big difference between cold and warm start. The Rope is not really designed for the 1st start of the day.. That takes place at home on muffs using the electric starter. ;) When it's been run and is on anchor.. The starter doesn't need to do much to fire it up.. That's where the rope works well.
 

Ben Konopacky

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Apr 5, 2004
Messages
296
Re: Manually starting an electric start Mariner

could be done,in an emerg. a LITTLE shot of ether (starting fluid) does wonders,don't overdoooo it.
 

skategoat

Seaman
Joined
Mar 29, 2004
Messages
74
Re: Manually starting an electric start Mariner

It was cold. I'll try again next weekend with the motor warm. I suppose that does duplicate the emergency, battery-dead situation. If I can't get it to go, I'm installing a dual battery system. <br /><br />Thanks,<br /><br />Henry
 

achris

More fish than mountain goat
Joined
May 19, 2004
Messages
27,468
Re: Manually starting an electric start Mariner

I thought all boats have a dual battery setup......
 
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