1980 Mercury

[pkimman]

Hello Everyone-
I recently purchased a boat with a 1980, 80HP Mercury Engine. The first time I took it out it would not start, it ground and ground but only fired maybe once. Then I brought it home, charged the batter, and it started. The Next time I took it to the lake it ground and ground but never fired. I noticed however, that the bulb pump in the gas line never gets firm--does this mean there is a pressure leak in the gas line? Also does anyone know the best throttle speed/choke positions for this engine, or is every one a little different? It runs very nice once it is going, but I am just curious If anyone has any ideas as to why it is not starting? It is that choke/throttle combinations, or is it a gas line problem? Any advice would be very much appreciated,

Thanks,
Paul Kimman

[Surface Tension]

Are you squeezing the bulb before you try and start it?
So your either not pumping gas with the bulb or the carbs inlet valve isn't shutting of the gas supply when the bowl is full and its running into the water or into your engine and flooding it out.

When you squeeze the bulb do you notice any air in the line?
Do you smell or see gas in the water?
Is the tank vented or is the bulb collapsed?
If the hose connected back wards?

Are you using a manual choke or an electronic choke?

[pkimman]

Surface Tension--
I am unsure of whether or not there is air in the line, I will have to try and check it out. I only smelled gas after I had tryed to start it for a minute or three. The Choke is a button right above the key and behind the forward/reverse/throttle. SO I don't know if that is automatic or manual. I Was just in town so I stopped in at the marine dealer. THe guy there told me he wouuld guess I had a bad priming bulb in the line. So I bought a new one of those. He also said to use very little throttle when starting it, and I had it about half to three quarters open one the nuetral throttle adjuster. He said that I should choke it only once or twice, and I had choked in multiple times. So I think that with the combination of the new pump bulb and the right combination of choke/throttle, it will hopefully start. What do you think after hearing this new info. Thanks for the post by the way. Any other opinions would be appreciated,

THanks again,
Paul Kimman

[Surface Tension]

I would suggest a new bulb also. Even if you have a leaky fuel line it should pump up till you get pressure, you'll see gas leaking out any leak in the gas line then.
Let us know what happens after you replace the bulb and we can go from there.
Good Luck

[KB]

I've got the exact same motor on my boat. They are a little tricky. Going by the manual, on initial startup, you are supposed to lift the cold start lever all the way to the front, then back it off to half way before starting. Also, I occasionally need to hold the choke button down continuously while cranking.

One other thing to check that I had a problem with is where the fuel line feeds into the motor. There is a little cap that is held in with a screw. Inside the cap there is a little screen and an o-ring. I was having the same problems as you with the bulb not staying hard and tried numberous things until I came upon this little cracked o-ring. Replaced that and everything works great now.

[pkimman]

Thanks a lot of the tips KB and Surface Tension. I currently go to BSU, so I won't be home until the 13th. I'll check it out when I get home and get back to you about my results. I'm going to replace the bulb first, and if that doesn't work I will look into that o-ring,
Thanks again,
Paul Kimman

[pkimman]

Good advice Guys. I replaced the primer bulb and the fuel line since it was very old and stiff. Plugged it back into the Motor and the Merc. roared to life. Thanks for the advice and good luck fishing this weekend,

Paul Kimman