Proper way to start an outboard????

[cobra1476]

HI there everyone,

Got one more question in regards to starting an outboad. My last boat was an inboard which only required pumping the throttle twice then turning the key.

Is it the same with an outboard? I see there is a priming bulb by the motor, is this used to push the gas in to the engine? Would I still need to pump the throtle forward?

The motors is a 2002 150hp mercury saltwater series motor.

This is my first outboard boat and am ready to take it for it first maiden voyage but I wanted to start the motor in my driveway before I go. I do have muffs from my other boat so I think that should also work on it.

Just didn't want to do what I thought without getting some suggestions.

Thanks iboats!

 

[2ndtry]

Re: Proper way to start an outboard????

Dunno if the same for all, but on mine I just turn the key. The bulb RARELY needs pumping, I have never touched the throttle (when starting).

 

[bassman284]

Re: Proper way to start an outboard????

I did a Google (retired with time on my hands) and found the linked thread from 2004. Sounds like your motor is carbed so pump the bulb until firm, turn the key on WITHOUT starting, push the key in for 5 or 6 seconds to prime and then start. This link did not say whether to keep the key pushed in while starting but you can experiment with that. Shouldn't have to mess with the throttle, I wouldn't think, but again you might have to experiment a bit.

I have a 4 stroke EFI so I just hit the starter and it goes whether I pump the bulb or not. EFI's have 2 fuel pumps - a high pressure pump for the injectors and a low pressure bulk pump. I usually pump the bulb if I think of it just to save possible wear and tear on the bulk pump.

saltwater start

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Proper way to start an outboard????

Carbureted outboard control boxes have a "fast idle" lever on top of the box or you disengage the single lever control to allow fast idle without engaging the lower unit. Many people don't have a clue what this feature is for and therefore don't understand why they have to start the engine repeatedly until it is warm enough to stay running. Raise the lever or activate fast idle when starting. Just don't allow the engine to sit at 5 grand while it's warming up.

 

[cobra1476]

Re: Proper way to start an outboard????

Bassman, I did read that on one of my searches but I did get thrown off by the whole push the key in thing? I haven't tried it yet but I will.

Silvertip, where exactly is this lever found? Are you talking about the throttle lever. On my inboard I had to pump the throttle twice forward, push the center button on the lever and leave it about 15% forward. I only did this on the first start, through out the day I can just turn the key on and it starts.

Thanks for all the responses guys! I just have to make a check list before I start and see what happens.

 

[reddogg]

Re: Proper way to start an outboard????

Pump the bulb till firm, turn key on, raise fast idle lever just a bit, push key in a few times to prime, than turn key to start. When started and running, put fast idle lever back down and let it warm up a bit than off you go

red

 

[cobra1476]

Re: Proper way to start an outboard????

Where exactly is this fast idle lever?

 

[reddogg]

Re: Proper way to start an outboard????

If you have one it is located on the top of your controll box. It is a long lever that runs almost the entire length of the box. Look right above the key.

red

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Proper way to start an outboard????

If you have a side mount control where only the normal throttle/shift lever is outside the side panel of the boat, then that lever pulls outward toward the center of the boat to disengage the shifter. You then simply move the lever forward for fast idle. when ready to go, pull back to neutral to re-engage the shifter and go boating. If the engire control box is mounted to the side panel, the fast idle lever is right on top of the box.

 

[lncoop]

Re: Proper way to start an outboard????

Cobra, I have an '02 90 horse Merc, so I suspect your fast idle is engaged the same way as mine. If so, there will be a button at the base of the throttle (down where it meets the control box). Simply push that while wiggling the throttle slightly back toward reverse then forward to engage the fast idle. At that point the throttle becomes the fast idle control. FWIW, my procedure is as follows:
Pump the bulb a time or two (although that doesn't seem to be critical), turn on the ignition without engaging the starter, then push and hold the key in for a few seconds. Start the motor. If she's a little hiccuppy (sp?) employ whatever combination of fast idle and priming/enriching (pushing the key in) smooths her out. Let her idle on the trailer for 30 to 45 seconds to smooth out the idle and be sure everything is up to snuff, then go boating! Piece of cake.