MERCURY 140 hard starting

[VMAX]

Hi, I have trouble starting my 1979 140 Merc outboard.<br />I have to put the idle control lever all the way up and hold the choke button down while cranking the engine for about 10 seconds. It then fires and kicks the starter out, but does not start. I have to repeat this about 3 times before it will run. I feel that this is hard on my starter. If I spray all the carbs with starting fluid first, it will start right up.<br />Any help would be appreciated.<br />John

 

[skier]

Re: MERCURY 140 hard starting

VMAX:<br /><br />NEVER use starting fluid on a 2-stroke outboard. It takes ALL of the oil off the internal parts. It doesn't hurt the starter to run for 10 or even 20 seconds at a time. I once cranked mine for 30 - 45 seconds. While it isn't the best for the starter, 2-stroke outboards (I have only owned Mercury) are cold blooded bit**es when starting the first time of the day.<br /><br />Craig

 

[gw204]

Re: MERCURY 140 hard starting

I also had a cold starting problem on my 1985 150 Merc. I was using the same method as you and was told that could be causing my problem. Here's what I do now and it fires up after about 2 seconds of cranking:<br /><br />Slightly advance the idle speed lever. Do not push it all the way up. Press and hold the choke button for approx. ten seconds then hit the key. It should roar to life pretty quick. If you motor is set up similar to mine, pressing the choke button dumps extra fuel from the bowl of the top carb into the bottom two.<br /><br />My old Merc. now starts faster than the twin fuel injected Marine Power 454s in my fathers Luhrs. Hope this helps. I know how frustrating this can be.<br /><br />Brian

 

[skier]

Re: MERCURY 140 hard starting

What I do is <br /><br />1. Pump the bulb.<br />2. Advance the throttle all the way.<br />3. Push and hold the choke.<br />4. Crank until it fires.<br />5. When it fires up, I let go of the choke and the key and bring the throttle down until the RPM's are about 1900 until warm.

 

[flatsman]

Re: MERCURY 140 hard starting

hey , you are get a clymer manual and see the primer system that merc put on the later engines ---adapt it to yours and it will start with ease--i have an 83 115 hp that starts as easy as any engine on the market ----

 

[VMAX]

Re: MERCURY 140 hard starting

My engine has the choke arrangement with the two butterflys on the top 2 carbs.<br />When I push the button, they close completely, but as soon as I start to crank, they pop about half way open. I think that this may be part of the problem. Could they solenoid be defective, The spring return too strong, or is this supposed to happen?<br />Also, I have read to warm up the engine. Should I do this every time I restart the engine? Is it necessary to prevent the plugs from loading up?