Problem Starting

[Crater]

I have a merc sportjet 90. Problem is when I try to start motor it pop's off but won't start. After enough choking and grinding of the starter and feathering of the throtle it will start. Also when started if I go WOT it will bogg down sometimes will die even, especially right after startup. It does this cold or hot. Seem like I have the need to choke it alot but it will flood if done too much (of course). I have put a new Stator,CDI, and fuel pump on it and test the compression, all seem to be good. I'm thinking about a carb overhaul now. Just wondering if there might be something easier of something different all together to look for.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Crater]

Re: Problem Starting

ok I read everywhere that most all 2cycle outboard engines use a primer bulb, being a sportjet (inboard) mine does not have one. I'm sure cause of CG law. Anyway I'm seriously thinking about installing one before the carb rebuild comes that I don't want to do. Has anyone else installed a bulb and what was the result?

 

[79Merc80]

Re: Problem Starting

I know that the outboard version (Force) was natorious for hard starting and coughing a lot until warmed up. Other than that, you might want to ask on the Force/Chrysler forum.

 

[CharlieB]

Re: Problem Starting

It never hurts to clean the carbs.

Many of the Force L-drive were hard to start as they also used a 2 stroke internally mounted without a primer bulb.

Often the owners would install a primer bulb in the fuel line and 'cure' many hard start problems.

Cranking speed is critical, a poor battery cable connection, at either end, dirty starter brushes, can contribute to hard start problems.

 

[Crater]

Re: Problem Starting

interesting about the bulb thing. My thought is that the fuel is draining back into the tank making it hard to start. I ordered carb rebuild kits this morning anf plan on installing them anyway, after all it is a '94 and they (to my knowledge) have never been touched. They are wet on the exterior anyway (so gaskets at least are in order) so I guess if I do it right I can't hurt anything. And I think I'm going to install the bulb. Although it would seem that I trying fait though--combining a Outboard motor just mounted inboard and then adding another minus to the mix scary! Any last thoughts before I blow myself up Bildge fan, bildge fan, bildge fan OR row row row my boat (without a transom):facepalm:

 

[Crater]

Re: Problem Starting

but seriously will a bulb hold pressure on the pump for the day? cause right now it can run for an hour, shut if off and kill the battery and the starter trying to get it started again. Really doesn't matter weather it is hot or cold though, just a little harder to start cold is all.