Mercury 50HP Blueband Thunderbolt

[dropsy]

My recently purchased 30 year old 50HP Mercury Blueband Thunderbolt started well in the fine weather, now it's turned cold I can't get it to start at all. Fuel and spark OK. Is there a trick? How do you set the choke etc? I'm a bit of a novice, so think it's something I'm doing or not doing, help please.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Mercury 50HP Blueband Thunderbolt

Normally there is a black rubber pushbutton on the MerControl that will close the choke. You should hear the choke plates "click" when the key is on and the buttn is pushed(motor not running).

In cold weather, pump up the primer bulb, set the cold start lever all the way up, hold down the choke button and turn the key. The motor should crank for 3-4 sec, and then fire up. Hold the choke button down until it starts to load up and die, and then release. Repeat as necessary.

 

[dropsy]

Re: Mercury 50HP Blueband Thunderbolt

Thanks for such a swift reply Chris. Where exactly will I find the rubber button? And where/what is the cold start lever. I did say I was a novice. Cheers dropsy.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Mercury 50HP Blueband Thunderbolt

Standard MerControls have the choke button just above the ignition key. The cold start lever is also on the MerControl, on the top left, just behind the throttle lever.

 

[dropsy]

Re: Mercury 50HP Blueband Thunderbolt

Actually I've got Quicksilver controls, but your advice gives me something to work on. I'm sure I'll get there in the end. How hard can it be! Thanks.

 

[Moody Blue]

Re: Mercury 50HP Blueband Thunderbolt

I've got a 40yr old Merc 80hp Thunderbolt that exhibits the same cold start problem.

I find that you just need to get LOTS of gas into the cyls. I prime the bulb firmly, then just keep the choke button pressed and crank away with the cold start lever all the way forward. It eventually starts, but takes way longer than in warm weather.

When it does fire, be prepared to pull back on the cold start lever or the engine revs too high. I have to keep pushing the choke button to keep it running until it warms up a little.

 

[dropsy]

Re: Mercury 50HP Blueband Thunderbolt

Thanks for your input Moody Blue. I found the choke on my Quicksilver controls, incorporated in the start switch. Starts very well now. It's encouraging to hear you're running an even older version than me!
PS Lake Simcoe, nice spot, I was lucky enough to visit the area almost 30 years ago. I hope it hasn't changed too much since then. Dropsy.