Merc 50 is hard to start

[Greg New Zealand]

I have just bought (3 weeks ago) a 1977 Blueband with a recond. 1974 (4 cyl.)powerhead. The motor runs beatifully from idle right through to full throttle with plenty of power. It's a manual start but it gives me a gym workout to get it going. So far I have worked out that it will only start with the throttle lever at idle and the choke on full. The primer bulb seems to get softer while I'm doing my workout<br />Give any throttle and it appears to flood, losing any hint of firing.<br />Typically it will fire on each pull but not enough to kick into life straight away.<br />Is this likely to be a spark plug problem or is there a special trick to starting these?<br /><br />Great site and I will appreciate any advice. I am in Rotorua New Zealand FYI

 

[Elmer Fudge]

Re: Merc 50 is hard to start

Hi Greg, it seems that you may be having a fuel pump issue,i'm not sure, but you need to check out the FAQ forum here at iboats perhaps you can find the answer there.

 

[Greg New Zealand]

Re: Merc 50 is hard to start

Thanks Elmer Fudge.<br />I have been searching through iboats for some time now but haven't found a match for my problem. I will have a look at the fuel pump as you suggest. Thanks again

 

[Elmer Fudge]

Re: Merc 50 is hard to start

Greg,also make sure that your fuel tank is venting.then move on to doing a compression test,your motor may not be getting adequate spark .

 

[Elmer Fudge]

Re: Merc 50 is hard to start

Greg,also make sure that your fuel tank is venting.then move on to doing a compression test,your motor may not be getting adequate spark .

 

[ledgefinder]

Re: Merc 50 is hard to start

Sounds like the low-speed windings on the ignition might be going. Do you have 4 coils, or instead a belt-driven distributor with 1 coil?

 

[Greg New Zealand]

Re: Merc 50 is hard to start

Thanks Elmer Fudge. I'll check the tank tonight.<br /><br />Thanks for your reply Ledgefinder. The motor has one coil and distributor.

 

[Greg New Zealand]

Re: Merc 50 is hard to start

Elmer Fudge may have hit the nail on the head. The tank has an auto vent pin in the male connector but I don't think this was working properly. I unscrewed the filler cap and the primer bulb seems to pump up better. Motor started and ran beautifully. I need to repeat this over the next few days to make sure that it is the problem. Fingers crossed!<br /><br />Thanks guys for all your help. I really appreciate it. Just goes to show it pays to start with the basics!