Re: Merc 115 startup proceedure
I wonder if there is a FAQ for this someplace. If not, there should be.
1. Prime the engine. Pump the bulb until firm. You'll probably hear gas rushing into the carb bowls. You'll get a feel for how much is enough. I fill the bowls and then give just a little more. Inlines are cold blooded beasts and they love a lot of fuel to start.
2. Ensure that your controls are in neutral.
3. Depending on your engine's own characteristics, you may want to raise your fast idle lever or depress your "throttle only" button and advance the throttle a quarter of an inch.
4. Depress your key or hold down your choke button and crank until it fires. Don't crank longer than 10 seconds per attempt, and allow your starter motor to cool for 15-20 seconds before recranking.
5. The engine will probably cough, fire a few times, and die.
6. Re-crank without choking. A well maintained, tuned engine will probably fire off with a bump of the key on the muffs, maybe 2-3 seconds in the water.
7. Allow the engine to warm up in the 1200-1500 range for a minute or so.
8. Check your water pump telltale while you're waiting.
9. Reset your fast idle lever or return your throttle to it's "home" position.
10. Idling in neutral on these motors is usually between 650 and 750 rpms.
11. Drop the hammer, and scream across the lake.
I have video on youtube of the complete starting process if you'd like to see it. It's the exact same for my L6-90hp.
