93 Merc trouble starting.

[Imarudedude]

Hello all! I have a 1993 90 hp Mercury outboard (serial # 0d179573) that is having some issues.

This has been a very reliable motor for the most part that I maintain and service myself.

Lately it has been having a hard time starting and it seems to be running a little rough when I'm going at very low speeds (trolling).

This may sound silly to say about a boat that I've owned for 5 years but I'm not sure exactly what the correct procedure is to start the motor. It has a gas ball which I usually squeeze a few times. Lately I have had to pull the shifter out (into neutral) and give it gas (push the throttle forward slightly) to start it. And this would cause it to be revving super high when it starts. Also after I do get it started it will commonly stall when I go to initially shift it into drive. I'm leaning towards an issue with it getting gas. However the spitting and sputtering at low speeds almost like a cylinder is bad has me thrown.

Whatever help or suggestions you guys have would be greatly appreciated! Thanks everyone.

Ps. I also recently changed the spark plugs because I thought that was the problem. That didn't change anything.

 

[racerone]

Are you pushing the key in while cranking it over to start it?---Post compression values too.

 

[Imarudedude]

I don't believe that you can push the key in while starting it. If I'm not mistaken this would be the way to choke it. I was assuming that putting the shifter in neutral and applying some gas was how you choke it. I've never messed with it too much because when I do I usually seem to flood the engine.

 

[racerone]

It is common practice to push the key in while cranking it over.----Has been for over 30 years.-----That opens the enricher valve for near instant starts.-----Then when motor has started and falters you push key in momentarily untill it warms up and runs smooth on it's own.

 

[Imarudedude]

Hmmm ok thanks for the info I will have to check it out when I get home. This does raise another question though. From how you describe it it is an electric connection, not mechanical, that opens the valve on the engine when you press the key?

 

[racerone]

The enricher valve is opened by a 12 volts when you push the key in during cranking !!---There are no linkages and choke shutters on the carburetors.-----You would be wise to talk to a shop to learn exactly how this works.-----It will save your expensive starter motor and with a motor that starts instantly your trips to the lake will be more enjoyable

 

[Imarudedude]

Thanks a lot I appreciate it I will try starting it with pushing in the key tonight. If it doesn't seem to change anything I will throw a meter on it and make sure I am getting 12V to the choke solenoid when the key is pushed in. Thanks for the info I appreciate your help and ecspecially the speed of your responses!

 

[Silvertip]

The actual cold starting procedure is: 1) squeeze the primer bulb until firm. 2) Raise the fast idle lever about 1/3 - 1/2. 3) Turn key to START while at the same time pressing and HOLDING the key in. 4) When the engine fires, quickly lower the fast idle lever for a more comfortable idle -- don't let it race at high rpm. 5) if the engine tends to want to die while warming up, MOMENTARILY push on the key to give it a quick extra shot of fuel. Don't let the engine die -- pay attention during warm up. When armed up, lower the fast idle lever and go boating. You shouldn't need to push in on the key for warm starts but having the fast idle lever partially up helps warm starts.