Freezing Weather Start of 4-Stroke Merc

[Bobomatic]

Hello All-

I have been unable to find a good step-by-step set of instructions to help me better start my 2009 4-stroke 20HP Merc Outboard when the temperature outside is below freezing. When I try to start it as-per-usual (squeeze bulb/pull out choke/prime twice), it takes a long time and a lot of cranking to get it to start. I usually remove the gas line to make sure the engine doesn't flood. I'm thinking that maybe I should be doing something with the "throttle only", but the manual is vague on it's use. Also, the dealer I bought it from did not offer much in the way of a solution. Any help appreciated!

BTW I tried posting this question a while ago, but got bounced out of the forum. I apologize if this thread appears twice!

SPECS:
Mercury 2009 4-stroke outboard
Model: 1F20301HK
Tiller Handle/Shift
Electric and Pull start
Manual Choke
Primer bulb
Throttle-only button

 

[sschefer]

Re: Freezing Weather Start of 4-Stroke Merc

I had a Nissan 18 which is basically the same Tohatsu motor as the Merc. I never had a problem starting it in freezing weather. The boat was pulled out at night and the engine covered with a plastice tarp. I put 100w lightbulb under the tarp and the heat it generated was enough to keep the engine sufficiently warm for starting the following morning.

Your best info will come from Merc directly. You can visit their website to get the contact info you need.

Yes, the lightbulb has to be incadescent and it needs to be plugged in and turned on.

 

[Bobomatic]

Re: Freezing Weather Start of 4-Stroke Merc

sschefer-

Thanks for the suggestion. My boat is in a garage, which is quite warm. I travel about an hour to the launch. I think it is the trip that is getting the motor cold, not the storage.

Bobomatic

 

[sschefer]

Re: Freezing Weather Start of 4-Stroke Merc

sschefer-

Thanks for the suggestion. My boat is in a garage, which is quite warm. I travel about an hour to the launch. I think it is the trip that is getting the motor cold, not the storage.

Bobomatic

Ah, that's even better. Go to home depot and get a water heater blanket, they're in the plumbing department. Wrap it around the motor and use a couple of bungee's to secure it for the trip to the lake.