mercruiser 3.0 hard starts in the water

[droptheline]

I got a 3.0 mercruiser. Its an 89 or there abouts, carb and point style ignition, I have to give it full throttle to start it everytime, on the trailer it starts easy, but when i drop it in the water it typically takes 5 or more seconds to turn over, i know marine engines are finiky and need to sometimes be started at full choke and throttle, but i would like to get it turning over quicker as its gonna kill my starter eventually, it runs balls once its going so im a little lost on my next step. I imagine that the turn over pressure when in the water is alot more then on the trailer with the snorkle but enough to make it start five seconds slower i doubt so any ideas? thanks as always

 

[JustJason]

Re: mercruiser 3.0 hard starts in the water

here we go again.....

carbs actually have A STARTING PROCEDURE......

turning the key just doesn't do it.

Before you jump into thinking anything is wrong.

double check your starting procedure.

On a carbed engine that's cold....
Put the throttle in neutral. Give it 2 full pumps, from the neutral position to wide open and back again, 2 times.
Then hold the throttle about 1/4-1/2 open, then turn the key. Let the motor catch and rev up, then pull the level back into neutral.
Remember that the throttle does not start as soon as you push the lever foward. It takes a few inches of travel before the throttle engages.

So..... whats your starting procedure?

 

[MBAKER]

Re: mercruiser 3.0 hard starts in the water

...and when in the water you have to push the water back out of the exhaust system for the engine to start breathing. Similar to the banana in a tailpipe.