Proper Start Procedures??

[jordy1380]

First of all, thanks for checking out my thread and thanks for the help in advance!!

OK, so I just bought this boat and don't have much of any experience at all with two stroke outboards but it has an '86 150hp Mercury XR2 Blackmax. It's kinda a pain to start but I don't know if I've been doing it right exactly. The way I have been trying to start it is:
1) Prime the fuel bulb until it gets firm
2) Turn the key but don't engage the starter
3) Depress the button at the bottom of the lever and push lever forward but not engaging the throttle
4) Press the key in for a few seconds and turn to start while the key is depressed

A few questions I had about this.
1) I've read to engage the throttle slightly or to put it at about 3/4 throttle...what is acceptable?
2) I've gotten it to start before and it will usually start right away after the first start. If I sit for a few hours without running then I need to repeat the previous start procedure. Should I have to do this or could that point to something wrong?
3) How long should you crank the starter before stopping if it doesn't pop off and how long to wait before you try again?
4) Where would my fuel filter be located?? I don't have one in line to the fuel pump or around the carbs...would I need to take off any covers to find this?

I added a picture of my throttle (console?) and when I depress the button on the bottom of the lever and push the handle forward about 1/3 is that what would be called 'fast idle' once I go past the 1/3 then it engages the throttle.

Thanks again for all the help to those who answer my questions! Like I said, I'm a newbie to this so any and all help is appreciated!!

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Proper Start Procedures??

OK, you have most of it. Pump the primer until hard, push the throttle only button and push the throttle forward an inch or so. Hold the choke button down and crank her until she fires. Use additional choke if necessary to keep her running until she warms up.

A lot of those V6 Mercs had a plastic inline filter under the cowling.

 

[hl]

Re: Proper Start Procedures??

I have the same motor, had had the same problem starting the first start of the day. I found if I prime the bulb a little before I head to the ramp, then re-prime after the boat is in the water, the motor cranks right up. Turn the key to on without engaging the starter and push the key in for about 8-10 seconds, then engage the starter while still pushing the key in. If it does not start in about 5 seconds stop, and push the key in a for a few seconds and try again. Keeping the starter working too long is not good for the starter or the battery Also check the enricher. You should hear a click when you push the key in. Have someone to stand at the motor while you push in on the key.

 

[jordy1380]

Re: Proper Start Procedures??

How do you know when you've flooded it? Just won't start? And what do you do when you flood it?

 

[hl]

Re: Proper Start Procedures??

I thought I flooded it the first year with the boat. I put the trolling motor down and fished for a while and tried it again and it started. If you do flood the motor be sure to open the throttle to allow the outside air to help to dry up the excess fuel.