Hard starting 2002 Mercury 90 Saltwater ELPTO

[borskislider]

I recently purchased a used boat that has a 2002 Mercury 90 saltwater two stroke engine. When I try to start the engine in the morning it takes forever to fire.I start by pumping the bulb until it gets hard. Then I push in and turn the key for 6 seconds. Then I pump the bulb. This is usually when I almost run down my battery to get it fired. Usually when it catches it will run for a few seconds then dies. Then I start it again and it goes a little longer. Once it starts it runs great. If I stop and fish for an hour, it will start right up. If I stop for four hours- it takes forever to start. Thanks for any help

 

[outboardguy]

Re: Hard starting 2002 Mercury 90 Saltwater ELPTO

Try starting it without the choke until it starts and then choke it as necessary to keep it running until warm.Possible that the carb idle mixture is off also.Just my thoughts

 

[Bob Kimber]

Re: Hard starting 2002 Mercury 90 Saltwater ELPTO

Borskislider,<br /><br />The best starting procedure i have found for that motor (cold start)<br /># is to pump the bulb up hard<br /><br /># lift fast idle lever up a bit (generally to about 1500 - 1700 rpm) you can get an idea of this setting by lifting the lever with the motor running in neutral in the water sometime and noting the position<br /><br /># push key (primer) in for about 2 seconds<br /><br /># wait about 5 seconds then push key in again to prime for another 2 seconds<br /><br /># wait a couple of seconds then turn key to crank motor push primer in again briefly during cranking ( I have found the motors start almost instantaneously).<br /><br /># as soon as motor starts reduce rpm to no more than 1500 and allow to warm up.<br /><br />In really cold conditions you may have to tickle the primer after motor starts, some techs claim the motor will be harder to start if you lift the fast idle lever but in my experience this is not correct.<br /><br />Bob