Mercury 225 EFI starting proceedure

[captjoe]

Dealer said to advance the throttle in neutral to rev engine up during startup. Manual says the engine ECM will control the fast idle. What is the proper proceedure to start this engine?

 

[fowl intent]

Re: Mercury 225 EFI starting proceedure

I have the same motor in a 2001 model. When I bought it used a few months ago, the owner showed me how to start it, and did just as your dealer described. Throttle up in neutral, press choke and start, immediately throttle back to near idle speed until engine warms up. If this is not the best/correct way to start please let us both know.

 

[captjoe]

Re: Mercury 225 EFI starting proceedure

I don't have any choke control...dealer said electronics takes control of mix and rpm. Where is your choke control located?

 

[RJS]

Re: Mercury 225 EFI starting proceedure

The Merc EFI's are turnkey. All's you do is prime the bulb and turn the key. It should start right up. Unlike carbes, no adjusments are necessary. The computer takes care of everthing.

 

[fowl intent]

Re: Mercury 225 EFI starting proceedure

captjoe, <br />My choke is incorporated in the key switch. I will try to start the motor next time per RJS instructions, and will report back.

 

[captjoe]

Re: Mercury 225 EFI starting proceedure

We tried to push the key in and out and couldn't hear any clicking at the motor. When we started without advancing the throttle there was some backfire through the intake once or twice and the motor ran 500-600 rpm and was rough.<br /><br />Also noticed that the bulb never gets hard. Never did when we picked up the boat. Has 17 hours on it now. I get the feeling that something isn't right. Please let me know how it works for you. I am going to call Mercury tomorrow I'll let you know what they say.

 

[graddy]

Re: Mercury 225 EFI starting proceedure

FYI 2001 and 2002 EFI have different ignition systems. 2002 and up require at least a 750 marine cranking amp battery are a battery powered ignition system with a belt driven alternator. If battery voltage drops below 10.5 while cranking the engine could be hard to start. Most boat builders rig the boat with the incorrect battery.

 

[captjoe]

Re: Mercury 225 EFI starting proceedure

Thanks on that battery info...I will check mine. Talked to Mercury Marine they said not to advance the throttle when starting. Just be in neutral with the throttle at idle and turn the key, the ECM does the rest. <br /><br />Also according to him you can't "choke" or "prime" an EFI engine with the key switch as in the carburetor models.