Merc 50 hp 4 stroke starting procedure

[goblerblaster]

My buddy just purchased a used pontoon boat with a 2000 model 50 hp 4 stroke Mercury motor on it. He has no owners manual with it. The motor is hard to start and seems to be getting flooded often. Neither he nor I have ever owned a 4 stroke and don't know the recommended starting procedure. Sometimes it will start by pushing in the key while cranking the engine in Neutral. Sometimes it has to be about 1/2 throttle in "fast idle" and don't push in the key, etc. Once it starts for the first time of the day, then it starts in Neutral easy- and idles in neutral or in gear for the rest of the day.

Can someone tell me how Mercury recommends to start this type of motor, please?

​Thx

 

[goblerblaster]

Let me add another question- in the attached link, item number 5 is called an "enricher". Is that the same thing as the choke or primer that is supposed to function when you push the key in while trying to start the motor? I have read that when the key is turned on, and then pushed in, you should be able to hear a "click" with the cowling off the motor. I had my buddy push in the key while I am standing beside the motor and neither of us can hear anything. Is this supposed to only be able to be heard on a two stroke motor, or is something not happening like it is supposed to on this motor?

Here is the link

http://www.marineengine.com/parts/m...ke4-cyl/0t178500-thru-0t598999-usa/carburetor

Thanks

 

[goblerblaster]

Come on- somebody has got to know what the owners manual says !! Or has experience with this motor.... HELP !!! It takes forever to start.. I mean maybe 4 or 5 tries over the course of 3 or 4 hours, but once it starts then it will start all day long. I have changed the fuel lines, plugs, filters, gas, etc. Once running it does not hesitate and reaching max RPM and idles in neutral or in gear as long as you want it to . Just will not kick off on a cold start.

​Give me some ideas !!

 

[Silvertip]

So in two hours on a holiday week you exoect instant response? If fuel injected you turn the key. If carbureted you push the key while cranking with fast idle about half up.

 

[goblerblaster]

Actually, that was 14 hours waiting on a response, it is carbureted and that does work sometimes and sometimes does not.