Starting Problem

Big Fisherman

Recruit
Joined
Jul 21, 2009
Messages
3
Hi there. I'm new to this site as I recently got back into boating a month ago after a 5 year span without. What was I thinking? LOL
I have a '88 Lund 14' Big Fisherman, thus my user name. It has a '88 25hp merc tiller. It starts like a charm and is like brand new. Older retired guy had it since new. It starts right up with hardly turning over in the driveway but after I trailer it for 1-1/2 hours and launch it, it doesn't want to start. It doesn't even fire. It has electric start and while I turn it over I can see little drops of gas hit the water out the exhaust. After trying to start it several times, I just give up and wait 20 minutes to 1/2 an hour and it'll start on one cylinder then while slowly driving it , it'll fire up on two and start no problem all day long while out on the water. It's just the initial start up after trailering. I'm sure it's flooding. The first couple of times out to the lake, the fuel line was attached and the vent was shut on the tank. I figured this was forcing fuel into the motor. This last time out to the lake I took the fuel line off the motor and hooked it back up after putting it in the water. I had the same problem starting it and after the same length of time waiting it fired on one then two. I am trailering with the motor down could this be it? How could it be flooded with the fuel line off for the trip? Would the fuel in the bowl be enough to flood it? Is there some other problem?
Any help will be appreciated.
Thanks
BF
 

Kirscher

Cadet
Joined
Aug 30, 2008
Messages
25
Re: Starting Problem

I have a similar problem with my 1989 35HP merc. I was told that when the engine is in the trailoring mode, the engine floods. Now I know enough to just wait a half hour or so. It will start right off and work great.

I know this doen't fix it, but I don't seem to get responses on this forum any longer. Therefore I don't bother to post them.
 

Big Fisherman

Recruit
Joined
Jul 21, 2009
Messages
3
Re: Starting Problem

I know, I found it odd too that with a site with this many people on it that you get very little responses.
Thanks for your reply.
 

dkonrai

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
May 9, 2009
Messages
719
Re: Starting Problem

bump +1. i agree. i have been on the j/e post, and seem to get great replies on that side. maybe its the merc side?:D
 

Pugetsound

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Apr 5, 2009
Messages
1,824
Re: Starting Problem

Went to my local boat dealer he WAS a Mercury dealer as well as three others. was told bluntly the Merc. engines and follow up had been dreadful. It ais now a 50 mile drive to a current dealer. Good luck on your starting problems mine is just the starter wont turn .
 
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