Normal warm up time for 1988 Mercury 100 hp 2 stroke

[apope17]

What is a normal warm-up time for a 1988 Mercury 100 hp 2 stroke outboard motor? We are sure(think) its being started correctly (turn key to on, push in, hold for 8 secs, turn to start), and letting idle, but it is taking over 12 minutes (we timed) before the rpm's jump up enough for it to go into gear without stalling. Everyone has said these motors are cold-hearted, but that 3-4 minutes should be sufficient. Any ideas would be appreciated. It's unnerving having to wait at the ramp while others are trying to put in the water. Thanks!

 

[racerone]

Holding the key in for 8 second is not the way to operate the enricher.-----Start cranking and at the same time push the key in.

 

[RCO]

The enrichener (same function as choke) only works when the engine is turning over. Are you advancing the throttle when starting? If all is working properly you should be able to shift into gear within a few seconds after starting. It will take a minute or two before it is up to full operating temp, but shouldn't run so poorly that you can't pull away from the dock at the launch. After it starts you can bump the enrichener and see if the motor smooths out.

 

[apope17]

We were actually turning key while pushing to start when we first got the boat, but were told to try the holding in technique for 8-10 seconds. Then, we also read on a Mercury page to hold for 8-10 seconds. We are advancing the throttle while starting as well. My husband replaced spark plugs although it wasn't really needed. Trying to avoid a mechanic if it's something we're doing incorrectly or something that is an easy fix. Thanks RCO and racerone for your input.

 

[60sboater]

If someone is waiting 12 min for you to get out of the way...wow! Can you use a paddle or aux. pwr. to get out of the way?

 

[racerone]

Many folks think that holding the key in for 8 before cranking is the ticket.---It just is not so.----Talk to a mechanic or trusted boat shop and find out how to start the motor.----Find out what is wrong as it does not take 10 minutes before you can leave the dock !!---Something is definitely wrong.