Starting issue, 2000 90hp merc

[eastman03]

Hey guys, I've been searching for some help with my boat motor. I read a few of the older posts about similar problems and I think I may have narrowed it down, but I figured I would ask anyway to see if anyone has any insight.

I have a 2000 90hp mercury motor (with carbs), on a 1700ss lund angler. It starts alright at the boat launch, but after running it hard for a while and then turning it off (like between fishing spots), it almost always has trouble starting. I have to crank it and crank it (and prime it, and choke it). Usually takes about 2-6 minutes to start again. I had the carbs looked at and cleaned (good compression too they said), and I changed the primer bulb. So i don't think it is the carbs, it runs and idles great when it's going. I saw on a past forum that the grey rubber fuel lines from that year of motor can break down? Is it possible I have a tiny air leak, even though I'm not losing fuel? I also ran fuel stabilizers (then my gas gauge stopped working, lol different problem).

I'm at a loss, it is very very frustrating, especially since I've brought it to two mechanics who though they solved the problem, but no such luck.

Please any insight would be awesome. Thanks

Trevor from Lake of the woods

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Starting issue, 2000 90hp merc

Are you raising the fast idle lever for warm starts? That's what it is there for!

 

[eastman03]

Re: Starting issue, 2000 90hp merc

Yea I've played around with it many different ways. It seems to help speed up the process a bit, but not totally.

 

[pened]

Re: Starting issue, 2000 90hp merc

I have THAT same problem. I did all that you have done i also change gas filter, and some times when it starts i have to run it at a low RPM for about 3 min before it can get over 2500 rpm. I am at a loss. Now when i take it out i anchor because i don't need to be bumping into other boater while trying to get it started. All i keep saying it will start. NEED HELP!

 

[cr2k]

Re: Starting issue, 2000 90hp merc

Tiny air leak will cause problems.

 

[eastman03]

Re: Starting issue, 2000 90hp merc

I just replaced the exposed gas line, the squeeze ball, the gas filter, and a bunch of connections. I hope something helps, I assume it's a tiny air leak. Very frustrating. I'm sick of saying to other boaters, I'm fine, it will start, it does this. Not fun.

 

[Faztbullet]

Re: Starting issue, 2000 90hp merc

When you get to your next spot after running, let the motor idle a minute or two to cool off. It sounds like a heat soak problem causing a vapor lock or the crankcase is drying out.

 

[eastman03]

Re: Starting issue, 2000 90hp merc

Awesome, I will try it! I'm not sure exactly what a heat soak problem is, but I'm willing to try anything.

 

[pened]

Re: Starting issue, 2000 90hp merc

I have that same problem and I have done all that you have done. It is now in the shop to see if they can fix it. The machanic said that theirs an oil check valve that is to hold oil back when the motor is turned off and if it is not holding oil will leak pass and cause a problem, and also it could be a heat problem it is something (i don't remember the name of it) but it controls the heat so that the gas do not vaporize out of the bowl when restarting.

 

[eastman03]

Re: Starting issue, 2000 90hp merc

It could easily be some sort of heat based problem, it only tends to happen after driving for a while, never really at the boat launch in the morning, or at home in the driveway. I'll let you guys know if what I did helped, but we just had a baby! First one, so no fishing for a little while.
Thanks again.