1997 tracker mercury force 90hp starting problem

Hodges96

Recruit
Joined
Jul 22, 2019
Messages
2
I have a 1997 nitro 640lx with a 1997 mercury force 90hp motor on it motor is runs like a new one has 125psi on all 3 cylinders but when starting it the starter will only stay engaged 2-3 seconds to the flywheel then drop down if I prime the bulb and try I can usually get it started in 3-5 tries some time less there is 2 carb bowel gaskets leaking some when prime the bulb tight but I put a new starter on it didn’t change anything but I can turn the kill switch to off and it will turn over long as hold key but with kill switch in run position it won’t so I’m figuring it must be firing just enough to speed fly wheel up and drop starter but I may be wrong
 

Jiggz

Captain
Joined
Oct 23, 2009
Messages
3,909
It's commonly called, "coughing" when a cylinder fires but the rest would not and just enough to disengage the starter. Make sure you do the following when starting cold:
1. Prime the primer bulb until it's firm
2. Ensure motor is in full vertical
3. Place throttle control in fast idle. There are two versions on how to do this. The first one is the Pull the throttle handle towards you and push forward. The second requires pushing the center button and pushing the handle forward.
4. Engage the choke system by pushing in the ignition key. On newer models it's called "Enricher" bu serves the same purpose.
5. With the choke engaged, (ignition key still in pushed down position) turn key to on and starting position.
6. Hold it on starting position for about 5~10 seconds or until the motor starts or it coughs thus disengaging the starter
6. The motor should crank over and if you're lucky should start right up. However, most of the time the motor will only cough and disengages the starter. If this happens, then turn the key back in off position and try starting again without engaging the choke.
7. Engaging the choke system more than once for every start can result in flooding the carbs making starting even harder. However, if this happens you can still try starting by keeping the throttle handle in fast idle position and keep cranking over until it starts.
 

jerryjerry05

Supreme Mariner
Joined
May 7, 2008
Messages
18,117
The "new" starters if you bought on the lower price end the starter might be bad???
The new stuff most Chinese made are really poor quality.
Get a rebuild kit for the old starter and see if that helps??
 

jerryjerry05

Supreme Mariner
Joined
May 7, 2008
Messages
18,117
Try cleaning the old starter?
Completely dismantle and sand the armature where the brushes ride.
 
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