1997 Mercury 225-HP with Caburetor: Starting Problem

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Author Topic:   1997 Mercury 225-HP with Caburetor: Starting Problem

fina posted 07-13-2010 08:03 AM ET (US)
When [a 1997 Mercury 225-HP with carburetors] sits [without] being used, it is hard to start. Ten to 15 minutes of cranking and nothing; no kick. Eventually it will sneeze and then it will start. [Give me] any suggestion [you have to help this 1997 Mercury 225-HP start more easily].
jimh posted 07-13-2010 08:28 PM ET (US)
I recommend you follow the manufacturer's recommended starting procedure as described in the owner's manual. Be sure you have properly primed the engine's fuel system. Be sure your battery is fully charged and the electric starting motor can crank the motor at the recommended speed.
Loafer posted 07-14-2010 11:55 AM ET (US)
fina, I have a 2000 Mercury 150-HP with carburetors that behaves similarly at times. A few observations, commments:
1) Cranking for 10 to 15 minutes will probably smoke your starter motor... check to make sure it's not drawing too much current (that is, dropping the voltage to below 8V).
2) The main problem I had was a cheap primer bulb (Tempo) that didn't fill the carbs or wouldn't maintain fuel in the line. The importance of a good primer bulb has been discussed several times in this forum. I'm now a believer.
3) Check your fuel filter... similar issue. There's one under the cowl as well as the external spin-on filter/water separater.
4) My carbed Mercury seems to need fresh fuel to start and run smoothly. If your gas has been sitting for a while, you'll likely get hard starting and p-poor performance.
5) Check to make sure the little electric primer solenoid is connected and squirting gas like it should. Mine had a cracked hose with predictable results. In fact, check all the little hoses for cracked ends and so forth.
Good luck,
Loafer
tom976 posted 07-14-2010 01:26 PM ET (US)
Sounds like a fuel problem. I would first make sure to pump that primer bulb until its hard.
I presume you are applying the choke on that motor right? As jimh stated, that much "starting" will end that starters life in no time. It will die at the worst possible time too.
Every carb motor I ever owned had their own little way of starting either when cold or warm. (not listed in the manual either)
Tom

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Author	Topic: 1997 Mercury 225-HP with Caburetor: Starting Problem
fina	posted 07-13-2010 08:03 AM ET (US) When [a 1997 Mercury 225-HP with carburetors] sits [without] being used, it is hard to start. Ten to 15 minutes of cranking and nothing; no kick. Eventually it will sneeze and then it will start. [Give me] any suggestion [you have to help this 1997 Mercury 225-HP start more easily].
jimh	posted 07-13-2010 08:28 PM ET (US) I recommend you follow the manufacturer's recommended starting procedure as described in the owner's manual. Be sure you have properly primed the engine's fuel system. Be sure your battery is fully charged and the electric starting motor can crank the motor at the recommended speed.
Loafer	posted 07-14-2010 11:55 AM ET (US) fina, I have a 2000 Mercury 150-HP with carburetors that behaves similarly at times. A few observations, commments: 1) Cranking for 10 to 15 minutes will probably smoke your starter motor... check to make sure it's not drawing too much current (that is, dropping the voltage to below 8V). 2) The main problem I had was a cheap primer bulb (Tempo) that didn't fill the carbs or wouldn't maintain fuel in the line. The importance of a good primer bulb has been discussed several times in this forum. I'm now a believer. 3) Check your fuel filter... similar issue. There's one under the cowl as well as the external spin-on filter/water separater. 4) My carbed Mercury seems to need fresh fuel to start and run smoothly. If your gas has been sitting for a while, you'll likely get hard starting and p-poor performance. 5) Check to make sure the little electric primer solenoid is connected and squirting gas like it should. Mine had a cracked hose with predictable results. In fact, check all the little hoses for cracked ends and so forth. Good luck, Loafer
tom976	posted 07-14-2010 01:26 PM ET (US) Sounds like a fuel problem. I would first make sure to pump that primer bulb until its hard. I presume you are applying the choke on that motor right? As jimh stated, that much "starting" will end that starters life in no time. It will die at the worst possible time too. Every carb motor I ever owned had their own little way of starting either when cold or warm. (not listed in the manual either) Tom