Proper Starting - I didn't think I was an idiot, but I just may be!

[groucho]

Not to be a butthead but how are you choking it?

I've been at the ramp more times than I can remember and I hear a " clicking " sound as the operator tries to choke his motor. Instead of holding the switch in and cranking it they push/pull it like they think it's a primer moving the carb butterflies simply up and down. Really not efective at all.

Just a thought. Nothing personal.

 

[groucho]

Not to be a butthead but how are you choking it?

I've been at the ramp more times than I can remember and I hear a " clicking " sound as the operator tries to choke his motor. Instead of holding the switch in and cranking it they push/pull it like they think it's a primer moving the carb butterflies simply up and down. Really not effective at all.

Just a thought. Nothing personal.

 

[Vandalizer]

No problem-
Yes, when I choke I hold the choke switch in while cranking. Should this motor be able to start without a choke when cold, or should I always choke when first launching?

 

[Chris E]

my experiance, the engine must be level - not tucked all the way in, but level with the water. then use the choke always to start. give it a shot. i have always found that no 2 boats start alike. especially outboards. my little 7.5 merc would never start without full choke - hot or cold.

 

[Mark]

They don't start well cold because they are not getting fuel. That is why over-pumping the bulb works...it forces fuel past the needle valve. Set the choke and fast idle before before you crank.

 

[kingsbiship]

All the advice here is correct! Pump the primer 'till it's rock hard, push the enrichener
button in for 6 to 8 sec. BEFORE cranking, and hold while cranking. You cannot flood a cold
inline! One carb. feeds two cyls. so you're trying to get it rich enough for both! The fuel
level will be affected by the trim, but not to the point of not starting.