Hard Starting 1989 Mercury 70 HP

[txthighlicker]

I have a 1989 70Hp Mercury that is very hard to start when it is cold. Once it is started the first time... It runs Great and restarts easy. The fuel bulb & tanks are good. The Carbs are Clean. The enricher seems to be working. Any Help ???<br /><br />Jimmy

 

[SeaHorse]

Re: Hard Starting 1989 Mercury 70 HP

Be sure the engine is vertical.<br />Pull hard on each end of all the fuel lines and the lines to the enricher and the little black rubber air lines. Replace any that show any cracks or any signs of age or that you know are over 8 years old. When warmed up and idling, does pushing the enricher change anything? If not, it isn't working.

 

[txthighlicker]

Re: Hard Starting 1989 Mercury 70 HP

I'll Give that one a try.....

 

[txthighlicker]

Re: Hard Starting 1989 Mercury 70 HP

I tried that. The enricher seems to be working because at Idle with engine warm, If I push in the key to activate the enricher, the engine dies. Also, all hoses are good. Any more Ideas ??

 

[Clams Canino]

Re: Hard Starting 1989 Mercury 70 HP

Do you advance the throttle a bit for cold starting? It helps.<br /><br />-W (they are cold blooded beasts)

 

[txthighlicker]

Re: Hard Starting 1989 Mercury 70 HP

That is the only way it will start when it is cold. Then only after a whole lot of cranking. While running, I notice a fluctuation in the level in the fuel bowl ahead of the fuel pump. When revved, the level rises and after idling a minute or two... the level drops to about half. Can this have something to do with my problem ??

 

[Clams Canino]

Re: Hard Starting 1989 Mercury 70 HP

Fuel filter outta be AFTER the pump / not before.<br /><br />It could just be a "link & sync" adjustment issue, or old and tired reeds are hampering your starting efforts. Try richening the idle mix screws by 1/4 turn to see if it helps.<br /><br />-W