Starting problem - 60 HP Mercury 3 cylinder 1989

[benut]

Just recently I have had problems starting the engine. It starts find first thing but then I anchor - fish for 3 hours and then try to start it and it won't. It seems that putting the motor in the unwright position and then lowering so that it's just in the water helps the problem a bit. And it it will usually start eventually (after a stressful 1/2 hour!). - Any ideas anyone?

 

[Greg New Zealand]

Re: Starting problem - 60 HP Mercury 3 cylinder 1989

My '77 50 HP can be like that. I need to pump the bulb up hard again after it's been sitting a while otherwise she won't fire up. Maybe you can try that.

 

[andrewkafp]

Re: Starting problem - 60 HP Mercury 3 cylinder 1989

My 1980 50 is similar. They seem to be a bit temperature sensitive. If you have been anchored for that long,in cold weather, it's almost a "Cold start" procedure using the choke, fast idle, and squeezing the bulb.<br />But sometimes the "Choke" aspect will flood it if it's not real cold. There is likely nothing wrong with your motor, you just need to ascertain whether you need to use the choke or just the fast idle when it's been sitting for a while.<br />BTW.. If you stay in one spot for 3 hours.. I would guess that they are biting

 

[Greg New Zealand]

Re: Starting problem - 60 HP Mercury 3 cylinder 1989

Unicorn is spot on - sounds just like mine. If I try to use choke it usually floods but I haven't used it in really cold conditions yet. <br /><br />A new outboard is a bit like getting to know a new woman - takes time together to learn all the quirks and tricks.

 

[andrewkafp]

Re: Starting problem - 60 HP Mercury 3 cylinder 1989

LOL.... Plenty of boating venues in NZ Greg... <br />I think I will not touch the "New woman" theory (Mrs Unicorn is still trying to establish who comes first when I'm "Getting to know" the Merc.)