Merc 1986 115 Can not start

[opto55]

Was out out last wekend withmy grandkids and wanted to take them for one last ride before storing my boat.The motor would not start. Two weeks before that it ran fine. Questions on starting?
1. THere is no choke so when the motor is cold I pump the ball but in this case it did not get hard. I press the button on the lower shift lever to retain neutral and I moved the handle forward to give it some gas. Is this the correct way to start the motor?
2. I replaced the bulb but it would still not get hard after pumping it.
3. I took off the cowl and noted gas dripping out of the middle carb. There was some gas pooled in the bottom of the motor.I soaked it up.
4. I pulled all the plugs and cleaned them. There were wet but the plugs looked decent. I checked for spark and there was lots of spark across the plugs.
5. There is a clear resovoir that did not fill up all the with fuel on pumping it ?

Do I have an air leak?
So what do you think is wrong and what should I do.
Thank you.

 

[Maxz695]

Re: Merc 1986 115 Can not start

yes it sounds like the primer bulb is sucking air. Check for loose fitting cracked hose and change them. The primer bulb itself may have a bad check vavle as well. Leaking in the carb throats indicates stuck float float level is bad or bad needle seats

 

[JDusza]

Re: Merc 1986 115 Can not start

Before you rip into anything, take some premix fuel and spray it into the carburetors and see if it starts.
Is the clear reservoir the fuel filter?

I understand Maxz695, however, to me it sounds like the engine's flooded; fuel dripping out of #2, wet plugs, pool of gas in bottom.
With the engine cover open, pump the primer and watch for fuel leaking from carbs.
J

 

[opto55]

Re: Merc 1986 115 Can not start

When I pump the ball shouldnot it get hard? Also should I put it in neutral and give it gas with the throttle? There is no choke. What do you recomend as the starting procedure with this motor. I bought it second hand with no manual with the motor.
Thank you.

 

[opto55]

Re: Merc 1986 115 Can not start

Is there a choke on this motor? I have no manual. Shouldn't the fuel bulb get hard when you pump it. After it is running the fuel bulb should soften? Is that correct?

 

[Dave1027]

Re: Merc 1986 115 Can not start

Is there a choke on this motor? I have no manual. Shouldn't the fuel bulb get hard when you pump it. After it is running the fuel bulb should soften? Is that correct?

Normally you push in the ignition key for choke.

Yes and yes. If the bulb does not get hard then either the bulb is not pumping gas, sucking air or the carb needles are not closing off the gas supply. The latter sounds like what you have.

 

[opto55]

Re: Merc 1986 115 Can not start

Thank you for your help. I will get it fixed.