74 Merc 1150 hard to Start

[okeyo]

Could not get engine to start the other day. Would only start with a little shot of starting fluid. Once started, it runs fine. The bulb is firm after a couple squeezes, so I ASSUME fuel is getting to carbs. Any ideas on what to look for? I know the boat sat for 2 years before I bought it, so I suppose the fuel in the system got gummy. Once it starts, it can be shut off and turned back on-it is just the initial start up that this occurs.

[okeyo]

Could not get engine to start the other day. Would only start with a little shot of starting fluid. Once started, it runs fine. The bulb is firm after a couple squeezes, so I ASSUME fuel is getting to carbs. Any ideas on what to look for? I know the boat sat for 2 years before I bought it, so I suppose the fuel in the system got gummy. Once it starts, it can be shut off and turned back on-it is just the initial start up that this occurs.

[JW]

Check your choke circuit. On some engines the choke is automatic, when the engine is cranking lack of vacuum allows the choke plates to close. When the engine starts, vacuum pulls the choke plates open. On engines with electric choke, check to see if the choke plates close when you push 'in' on the key switch, or push in on a separate choke button on the throttle. Tell us what you see! And be careful starting the engine with the cowl off. It can 'sneeze' and actually send some fire back up the carbs. And use starting fluid sparingly, remember it doesn't have the 32:1 or 40:1 oil mixture in it that your straight six lives on..........

1995 Pulsare 2100BR/1995 Mercury Promax 225 2.5 EFI/ 1.87:1 Torquemaster/ RapidJack Heavy-Duty manual 10.5" setback/ 23" Tempest (worked for hole-shot)

[okeyo]

Thanks JW, I think I'm at least gonna get a squirt bottle for fuel instead of using starting fluid.
You mention 32:1 or 40:1-I thought all Mercs ran at 50:1? Right now I have it at 32:1-I figured the extra oil would help, seeing as how engine hasn't been run for two years. But I planned to go to 50:1 after first tank. Should I compromise and go 40:1?

[JW]

40:1 should be good, keep high octane in it and DO NOT rev it high. They like to stay in the rev range to last.

1995 Pulsare 2100BR/1995 Mercury Promax 225 2.5 EFI/ 1.87:1 Torquemaster/ RapidJack Heavy-Duty manual 10.5" setback/ 23" Tempest (worked for hole-shot)