What is the correct starting procedure

[cobra1476]

Hi Guys! I have a 2002 Optimax 150XL saltwater series (carb) on my rig and I always have a hard time starting it the first time. It always starts but just the initial first of the day start is a pain to do.

It may just be me but it takes me about 3-4 cranks to get it fired up. It feels like it takes forever because I am always rushing at the ramp.

So here is what I do when I start is.

-Lower the motor so it is sitting as close to parallel to the water.
-squeeze the primer bulb until it gets hard.
-turn ignition to on and push to choke for 3 to 4sec.
-pump my throttle forward twice and leave it a bit forward.
-turn key a couple times until it fires.

Again, it starts all the time but it just takes 3 to 4 turns. Once I have it running, the rest of the day is good. Just turn the key and starts. Weird or normal?

 

[efdog]

Re: What is the correct starting procedure

Have you tried anything different?

I have a carb merc, and do not hold the choke in that long prior to starting, unless it's been out of the water for a very long time. Aside from that, it sounds like everything you do is the same as what I'm doing.

Do you have choke push on the ignition? Try to choke it only while you are turning the engine over. That's what I do, if it's taking a couple seconds to run, then a couple short bursts of fuel with the throttle.

 

[cobra1476]

Re: What is the correct starting procedure

Have you tried anything different?

I have a carb merc, and do not hold the choke in that long prior to starting, unless it's been out of the water for a very long time. Aside from that, it sounds like everything you do is the same as what I'm doing.

Do you have choke push on the ignition? Try to choke it only while you are turning the engine over. That's what I do, if it's taking a couple seconds to run, then a couple short bursts of fuel with the throttle.

Oh are you suppose to push the choke on while turning over? lol! It does make sense. I just push it for a couple of seconds let go then turn.

 

[aussieflash]

Re: What is the correct starting procedure

Cobra,what your doing is correct,hold in for few seconds then turn key.Throttle needs to be open when cranking,then lowered quick when she starts.

 

[cobra1476]

Re: What is the correct starting procedure

Cobra,what your doing is correct,hold in for few seconds then turn key.Throttle needs to be open when cranking,then lowered quick when she starts.

Ok. now I'm confused? Hold, let go, then turn?

 

[jigmister]

Re: What is the correct starting procedure

You can hold it in while cranking if needed. The key primes the engine just like you were to pour some fuel down the carb throats with a gas can. I do the same as you are. After it fires up I tap the key to feed a little more as needed to keep her from dieing.
If I hold it in too long it will die as that is flooding it.
You are doing the right things. Its just a carbed engine. Remeber the old cars? had to warm em up with the gas pedal in the mornings.

 

[444]

Re: What is the correct starting procedure

Put the throttle full forward when cranking and pull it back fast once she fires. Mine has the choke flapper doors so I have to hold it while cranking. My previous merc had the choke (electric primer) so before cranking I would push in the key 3 or 4 times to give it a few shots of fuel before hitting the key and did not hold the choke/primer while cranking.

 

[Cricket Too]

Re: What is the correct starting procedure

How do you have an Optimax that is carbed??

 

[cobra1476]

Re: What is the correct starting procedure

I think the saltwater series under 200 aren't efi's.

 

[Cricket Too]

Re: What is the correct starting procedure

No Opti's are EFI's, EFI's are a whole different animal.

Optimax is the name of the DI system, why would anything be an Optimax that didn't have the Optimax injection system??

No such thing as a carbed Ficht or Etec or else they wouldn't be an Etec.

 

[emoney]

Re: What is the correct starting procedure

I always thought that Optimax's were injected too?

 

[Cricket Too]

Re: What is the correct starting procedure

They are....Direct Injected. Not EFI or carbed.

Starting procedure should be, put the key in and turn it, that's it.

 

[Dave1027]

Re: What is the correct starting procedure

They are....Direct Injected. Not EFI or carbed.

Starting procedure should be, put the key in and turn it, that's it.

That's exactly what I thought. Not like the old days. Now the computer does all the futzing for you.