need starting advice

[sleddinscott]

i have a 2008 20hp elpt merc. i am just in the process off replacing the head gasket. problem is the boat is 5 hours away and i would like to run the motor to ensure its all good before hauling it up north. it is remote not tiller and controls are still on the boat is there any way i can get it started with not having controls? thanks scott

 

[alldodge]

Not an OB guy and found no wiring diagrams on the newer 4 stroke motors. Maybe my comment will bring out an OB guy. That said Mercury has kept the wiring colors the same.

Red - Battery power
Purple - Ignition power (key ON)
Yellow/Red - Starter

Place motor in neutral
Now the kill switch is placed between the key ON purple wire and power to the coil. So you need to make a connection between the Red battery connection and Purple ignition wires. Once that is made you should be able to pull start the motor with the rope under the cowling. You should also be able to jump just for a quick instant between the Red and the Yellow/Red wire on the starter solenoid.

 

[sleddinscott]

thanks for the reply will give that a try