Trouble starting my Merc outboard

[bshores]

This should be an easy one. I appologize for being a novice.<br />I just bought a boat with a 1989 175 Mercury outboard. I am having difficulty starting it. I am not sure if my procedure is incorrect or if I should look deeper into the motor. I prime the motor with the bulb until firm, pump the throttle 3 times, push in choke and hold and turn the key. If that doesn't work I try again, but maybe with out the choke, fearing flooding the motor. If that doesn't work, I try a combination of everything above. Should I keep pushing in the choke and hold in until it fires? I don't like giving it too much throttle, thinking it is hard on the motor revving so high right off the bat. Next thoughts are to replace, primer bulb and plugs, but I wanted to make sure my starting technique was correct. I would take any suggestions. Thanks<br /><br />I eventually get it running and seems fine.

 

[dkondelik]

Re: Trouble starting my Merc outboard

Afternoon Bshores,<br /><br />This could be a "Wide Open" question.<br />First! Buy a Service Manual. Either OEM or aftermarket (aftermarket Seloc can be found here at iboats, link at bottom of the page).<br /><br />What history do you have on the motor?<br />Was it winterized?<br />When were the carbs last serviced?<br />Do you have fire on all cylinders?<br />Do you have even compression across all cylinders?<br /><br />If you can offer some insight to these questions, I'm certain that somebody on this site can point you in the right direction.<br /><br />Let us know what you find.<br /><br />Good Luck<br />HAVE FUN!

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Trouble starting my Merc outboard

Hi bshores <br /><br />Sounds like you're starting procedure is good, although there is no need to pump the throttle. Just raise it up a bit so that it "Fast Idles". Normally you will want to hold the choke in until it starts and you may have to "Bump" it again a few times after it starts to keep her going. Other than that, sounds good to me.

 

[Walker]

Re: Trouble starting my Merc outboard

Each motor can have its own little quirks and you have to find out what your motor wants when starting. I start mine in the manner Rickd described. I hold the choke in until the motor pops. Pumping the throttle does absolutely nothing on an outboard as they have no accelerator pump. 4 strokes may have one,i'm not sure.