92 Merc cold start problems

[CC Hurl]

I have a 20 horse merc that has been running real good other than the first start. I bet i have to pull that thing 40 times before it starts. Once i get it going it will start on the first pull the rest of the day. Looking for any clues as to what the problem may be.

THANKS

HURL

[Valv]

I assume you use choke, correct ? And you prime the bulb before starting, right ?

We need more information to what maintenance you did to motor.

Did you change plugs, have carb cleaned or serviced, etc.

[CC Hurl]

I do use choke and prime the bulb. I replaced plugs a month ago. Other than that i have not done anything to it.

I bring it in the house every winter. The only thing i have done to this motor since i have had it is change the lower unit grease, new plugs and a new prop. Other than that it has been very dependable.

HURL

[Surface Tension]

I would take the cover off and look to see that the choke is closing completely.

[CC Hurl]

Just wondering if anyone else has any idea's or is it time to bring it in for the tune up. I would like to keep it out of the shop at least until i am done for the year. I am from the Zimmerman area. Does anyone know of a good place to get a tune up that can turn it around in a short period of time?

Thanks

HURL

[marine_man]

Can you explain, in words, the procedure you use when starting the motor when it's cold? Maybe it's something in your procedure...

Have you checked into what Frank recommended above?

marine_man

[CC Hurl]

I have not been home yet to try Franks idea. I will try that tonight. Starting procedure is...

Prime the ball, pull the choke,Pull about 20 times,Rub my shoulder for awhile,(LOL)and pull 20 more times before it starts. Like I was saying before, once I get it started the first time it starts just fine for the rest of the day. Could my primer ball be bad? I replaced it about two years ago. THANKS FOR ANY INPUT.

HURL

[Hookmaster]

It sounds like it's not getting gas. Do you pull the line and run the gas out when you're done fishing? When you pump the ball and it gets hard can you hear the gas being forced into the carb? My 1985 25hp Johnson starts with 5 or less pulls by pumping the ball until hard and then a couple more times and pulling the choke out and pushing in 3 to 4 times and then leaving it out. Pull until until it fires. On this motor when you pull the choke out and push it in it is priming the carb. The suggestion to check if the choke is actually going on is a good one.

[marine_man]

When you say prime the ball, does that mean you squeeze it until it gets firm?

Do you adjust the idle speed, or the startup speed at all when you start it, or do you try to start it at low idle?

marine_man

[Hookmaster]

Pump the ball until hard and then a few more times. I would have the throttle open about a third of the way.

[CC Hurl]

Thanks for the input. I tried it without priming it at all. Pulled the choke in and out a couple times. So far i have tried the cold start twice and this appears to be working. My guess is maybe i was flooding it when i would prime the ball before starting. The bottom line is so far it appears to be working and i should get more miles on my shoulder now.

HURL

[marine_man]

One thing to consider.. when you prime the motor is it close to level? Some of the older (your era) Merc motors would flood the engine after priming if they were primed in a elevated position. The floats wouldn't be sitting level, allowing the gas you are pumping on the bulb into the carbs, overflowing them and flooding the engine...

Glad to hear you got it figured out...

marine_man