fender22
03-03-2008, 06:44 PM
Hi all. I tried to start my 87 Merc 135HP last weekend on the trailer just to give it a run with the muffs on. I had the support bracket on so being too lazy to drop it down I left it tilted up slightly on the support bracket (about 15-20 degrees.) Anyway, it was turning over but wouldn't fire and I thought about it through the week and figured that maybe with the motor tilted up, the fuel would run forward out of the carbs instead of back into the cylinder? Anyway, once I tilted it down again started very quickly which made me think....
Seem to have to turn it over quite a few times to get it going when down at the ramp but usually starts readilly at home with the muffs on and I haven't been able to work out why? It's not like it's under load on the water apart from the exhaust being submerged and a bit more back pressure. I was wondering....Should the motor be fairly close to level for starting? On the water obviously the bum sits down a bit and the motor would be slanting back somewhat. I normally give it some throttle as well as plenty of choke which it seems to like more fuel (choke / throttle) than less being a merc. The other tip some one gave me was to "pump" the throttle 3 or 4 times before starting which I haven't tried yet. I'm not very mechanical so not sure if this is right or not. Does fuel squirt or pump in just by working the throttle back and forth or does it need the engine cranking to pump? It always starts easy as when warm.
My normal procedure is to pump the fuel line bulb up hard, then some throttle (gears disengaged) and turn it over with choke pressed in until she fires.
It does seem strange to me that it is more difficult to start (cold) when the boat is sitting on the water as opposed to on the trailer with muffs? Any help appreciated...
Seem to have to turn it over quite a few times to get it going when down at the ramp but usually starts readilly at home with the muffs on and I haven't been able to work out why? It's not like it's under load on the water apart from the exhaust being submerged and a bit more back pressure. I was wondering....Should the motor be fairly close to level for starting? On the water obviously the bum sits down a bit and the motor would be slanting back somewhat. I normally give it some throttle as well as plenty of choke which it seems to like more fuel (choke / throttle) than less being a merc. The other tip some one gave me was to "pump" the throttle 3 or 4 times before starting which I haven't tried yet. I'm not very mechanical so not sure if this is right or not. Does fuel squirt or pump in just by working the throttle back and forth or does it need the engine cranking to pump? It always starts easy as when warm.
My normal procedure is to pump the fuel line bulb up hard, then some throttle (gears disengaged) and turn it over with choke pressed in until she fires.
It does seem strange to me that it is more difficult to start (cold) when the boat is sitting on the water as opposed to on the trailer with muffs? Any help appreciated...