Mercury 150 outboard hard to start Jan 21, 2017 · When an outboard motor will not begin operating, it’s important to identify the type of staring problem its experiencing. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to manually start your Mercury outboard engine. Another common culprit is a clogged fuel filter or carburetor. Some users have also claimed that sometimes the motor starts after several tries but quickly May 29, 2012 · I have a 2001 XR6. Finally we will intentio. My 97-98 Mercury 40hp outboard won't start after it has warmed up. Here are a few possible causes and solutions: Possible Cause: Dead or weak battery Solution: Check the battery’s voltage May 27, 2012 · Re: Mercury 150 XR6 hard to start! 50 MPH and above 5K RPM is about what you should be getting. 5L Carb. However, like any other mechanical device, Mercury 4-stroke outboards might face occasional problems that require troubleshooting and fixing. It works!! Mine starts instantly and without the need for any throttle. Nov 10, 2023 · Do you want to find out what to do if mercury outboard cranks but won’t start? Here we have some easy solutions awaiting you. 0T469102 I bought a used Ranger with this motor this fall that has had little use. Leaking/flooding carbs can seriously drain fuel and spill fuel/oil into the waters. If it sets for a day I have to pump gas in the carbs with a oil can. But I have seen lots of people complaining about the outboard motor’s issues. Low-quality gasoline - Change fuel. So, I have listed the most common problems with Mercury Optimax 150 to help you solve yours. Motor: 6HP Mercury 4 StrokeBoat: 1984 12' Crawdad Flat BottomB My Engine Will Not Crank Over If you can crank the engine but it won't start, go HERE. Mercury outboard motor problems can be frustrating, not to mention the hefty costs of professional repair services. Checked voltage at + side of pump 12. Starting procedure, although you may say you've changed nothing in that regard, sounds possible. This frustrating problem can be caused by a variety of factors. In this article, I’ll walk through the top 10 reasons your outboard motor won’t start, plus straightforward fixes to get your boat running again. Meaning Aug 28, 2009 · Re: '92 Mercury 150 XR4-Hard to start, low idle, dies The oil reservoir on the engine is supposed to supply oil for about a half hour running at WOT if something fails in the supply, like a cut line. Learn the top causes and how to fix common ignition, fuel, and electrical issues. In such cases, you will have to resort to starting your Mercury outboard engine manually. This can be a Mercury outboard cranks but will not start refers to when the Mercury outboard motor’s crankshaft turns but will not cause the motor to begin to work, or maybe it starts hard when cold. There are four types of starting problems: Engine will not start Engine cranks slowly but will not start Engine cranks but won’t start Engine will start but stalls shortly after This troubleshooting guide will help you diagnoses a Mercury outboard engine that won’t A discussion of outboard motor starting problems, some of the causes and quick solutions, aimed at non-mechanics. Water in the fuel may be. Likely prop is ventilating. The carbs looked fine so I put a kit in the fuel pump ($12) and it seems to work fine. Feb 24, 2010 · Re: Mercury 150 hp carb cold hard starting Thanks for the feedback. Dec 23, 2011 · Re: Hard to start Mercury 150 - 1995 Please Help Merc oiling system is quite reliable. Damaged spark plug - Spark plug need to be replaced. 2-3. Mercury 150-HP OptiMax: Hard Start, Rough Idle - Moderated Discussion Areas Mercury 150 Hp troubleshooting: The main problems and ways to fix it If your outboard motor doesn’t start on the first or second pull, then it needs a little tweaking. I PUSHED THE KEY IN FOR THE CHOKE FOR 5-10 SECONDS AND IM STILL HAVING A HARD TIME STARTING. It never should hit high RPMs when getting on plane. After started for the day it is easy to start every time and runs flawlessly. The issue only happens when I am on the lake, I cant reproduce it at home. Starts up and idles fine. Maybe carbs are allowing motor to flood? Aug 5, 2013 · Re: Hard start/no start when warm Re: Hard start/no start when warm Was anything changed out or rerouted during the winter? Maybe your fuel line is getting hot enough to cause an issue (vapor lock). Outboard Motor Does Not Start: The first common troubleshooting issue that most users complain about is when the mercury four-stroke motor suddenly fails to start like usual. Whilst I am always happy to try and help in diagnosis, it can be very hard to do so over the phone. Manual starting your Mercury outboard engine is a straightforward process that requires basic knowledge of your marine engine. This engine is hard to start and yet runs great once out an running. The 4-stroke outboard engines, in particular, provide boaters with dependable power, smooth operation, and excellent fuel efficiency. This problem can be caused by damaged wiring or faulty spark plugs, which prevents the engine from starting. Suddenly, your outboard motor sputters, loses power, and leaves you adrift. Still consider myself a " Marine Apprentice " after 48 years (learn something new every day). Clogged fuel system - Remove clogging. Jul 23, 2022 · You can research the market but you can’t find any lighter outboard motor in the 150HP direct 4-stroke category. To start and run, an outboard needs: Ignition (properly timed) Fuel/air mixture (in the right ratio) Compression Exhaust Troubleshooting with most newer outboards has become more complicated because of technological Jul 8, 2011 · 1998 Mercury 150 offshore, carbs. Outboard Motors need three things The presense of fuel/petrol/gas being delivered in right mix Compression in the combusion chamber A source of correctly timed ignition An issue with any Sep 15, 2012 · Ask the experts on our Mercury Outboard Parts Forum for repair issues, diagnosing problems, links to diagrams, suggestions on buying parts and more. To start with, a 2-stroke engine requires a balanced mixture of fuel and air for ignition to take place. Air temp sensor should be checked with an Ohm Meter with a Cold Start Ignition Test. Clogged fuel filter - Replace fuel filter. Includes an overview of the 4, 5 and 6 HP Tohatsu / Mariner / Mercury motor, basic May 23, 2025 · This comprehensive guide is here to help. The leaking valve over-oiling the motor will continue to fill the carbs even with the fuel hose disconnected. Outboard is a 2003 200hp 2. *ACU and PCU only. Like any marine equipment, these outboard motors experience problems from time to time. Outboard not firing up? Here are some tips for troubleshooting common problems with an outboard motor that won't start. If the fuel level is low, refill it with fresh Jun 23, 2025 · Rob brought back his freshly rebuilt 150 HP Mercury Outboard but it won’t start. Procedure per the owners manual, I pump the bulb until firm after the In this video we discuss why motors flood, we will disassemble a Mercury 6HP outboard carburetor and review what can cause flooding. 1) pump ball firm before every start. We’ll delve into the common symptoms of shifting problems in Mercury outboard motors, guide you through the diagnostic process, and provide practical solutions for resolving these issues. Even cold conditions. This mixture is usually prepared in the carburetor before it is directed to the cylinder head for combustion. ONCE IT STARTS AND This article seeks to provide an explanation for the difficulties experienced by boaters while starting their 2-stroke outboard motor. It also runs very strong after it is first started. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Nov 9, 2017 · 2002 Mercury XR6 150 HP Serial No. On Laser EFI motors, look under the Fuel Pressure Regulator. I run a few miles and shut it down to fish. Let’s get started right away. Wrong grade of gasoline - Use quality gasoline. Then, nothing happens. I use Don Weed's starting procedure. T-Mikes Vintage Outboards Restoration 17. In this episode we dive into to real time diagnosis and walk through the basic steps to figure out what went wrong. Either the primer is not working, you can remove the cowl and there is a small lever on the primer solenoid to manual operate it, to see if thats the problem or you need to have someone who is used to start inf one of that series of Feb 16, 2007 · Re: Mercury 150 XR6 Hard Starting in morning Good morning I have a pair of Mercury 175s, 1992 vintage, periodically I have had a hard time with the first start of the morning, especially the starborad engine. No mechanical skills needed! From simple fuel problems to basic electrical hiccups, knowing what to check first can save you time, money, and a major headache. 5, - side 12. 5, while cranking on - side 2. 6 Most Common Problems with Apr 9, 2004 · I HAVE A 18' 1988 BAKER WITH A 150 MERC BLACK MAX AND IM NEW TO OUTBOARDS, BUT WHAT THE HECK AM I DOING WRONG? THIS THING TAKES 3-5 MINUTES OF CRANKING BEFORE THE DANG THING STARTS. t 1-1000-1,,,,1-1000-2 ect. BUT when I go to restart the motor after I have been sitting in a fishing spot, it won't start. Any suggestions on what this could be? We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Spark plug is damaged - Spark plug need to be replaced. Might want to also change the little fuel filter under the cowling while your at it Jun 2, 2023 · Mercury outboard engines are renowned for their reliability, durability, and performance. This comprehensive blog post So what if your outboard won’t start? In this short video from Boats. I have to be at WOT to get it to start and then in cold idle its fine. Disconecting Apr 10, 2014 · Dual Mercury Master Technician - for Mercury Outboards, Mercruiser and Mercury Racing at European Marine in Greenville, SC. Jul 23, 2022 · 3 Common Mercury 4 Stroke Outboard Motor Problems: 1. Two stroke, carbed outboards are typically cold blooded and need lots of choke and a little throttle (via the My outboard won't start! In this video we walk through the top 10 reasons outboard won't start. Sep 16, 2020 · Information on this page pertains to motors that crank but will not start as a result of ignition system faults. Once it starts it runs beautifully but to make it start I have to squirt 2 stroke into the air intake of the carbs. Mercury Parts, Mercury Outboards, Smartcraft & Accessories, Injector Service, TDR Reeds - BBC Sponsor MEZU50 Member Join Date May 2, 2024 · Eeeek! If your Mercury Outboard engine won’t start, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you troubleshoot the problem and get you back to safe waters real soon! How To Get Your Mercury Outboard Started in 5 Minutes… 1. Pontoons have particular problems as fuel and oil tanks are mounted higher than conventional boats. They can answer questions for any Mercury outboard motor model or horsepower including Chrysler Outboards, Force Outboards, Mariner Outboards, and Mercury Inboard/Sterndrives. When you turn on the ignition key do the gauges activate? If not, it means you are getting no voltage to the dash and/or key switch. Defective spark plug wire connection - Check the spark plug wire connection, repair or replace. Incorrect fuel pressure: Can be caused by a bad fuel pressure regulator, or restricted return. The number one reason for your engine not cranking is a dead battery. This blog post will delve into the common culprits behind starting problems in outboard motors and provide valuable insights How to Troubleshoot Outboard Motor that will not start. If you are sure your battery is fully charged there are a few more items that you can check. There are five major things Engine hard starting or not starting Empty fuel tank - Fill fuel up. Sound Marine Repair, your trusted source for boat repair in Olympia, offers expert boat motor repair, marine repair, and outboard engine repair services. It’s a scenario that every boater dreads – the frustration of an outboard motor that was running smoothly one moment and then inexplicably loses power We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Mar 15, 2005 · I have a 1979 115hp mercury outboard that is hard to start. It will start right away and idle when I first put it in the water (every time). This engine works great once it starts but it takes too ma Oct 12, 2024 · Picture this: you’re out on the water, the sun is shining, and you’re enjoying a perfect day of boating. Jun 26, 2025 · Starting problems with your boat engine? Learn the exact steps to start 2-stroke & 4-stroke Mercury marine engines smoothly. The Mercury 150 1994: Hard to start, bogs down at acceleration and dies - Moderated Discussion Areas Hop to: Dec 13, 2023 · In troubleshooting a Mercury 2-stroke outboard, one possible issue could be a fuel line air leak, causing a fluctuation in the fuel supply. The motor runs very well after I replaced the water pump, thermostats, and spark plugs, however, it is hard to start when cold. Aug 4, 2011 · Re: Mercury 150 saltwater hard starts and stalls at idle Battery is for cranking, and accessories, EFI models use the battery for fuel supply, otherwise, the ignitions are all stator/alternator driven, with a minimum cranking RPM of 300, slower than that the motor may not spark or start at all, but once started idling 700 or better, each cyl should have a hot blue arc it least 7/16 inch in What to do if your outboard wont start: follow these tips to find and fix an outboard no-start problem. Whether you’re facing difficulties with shifting into gear, experiencing clunking sounds, or encountering other shifting-related problems, this guide will empower Apr 2, 2012 · Re: Hard starting mercury outboard hot or cold Quality of the gauge can make a noticeable difference in compression, as can cranking speed, and having the throttle open or closed. Let’s fix your Mercury outboard! If your Mercury outboard engine is not cranking, it could be due to a failure in your electric ignition system. Once it warms up the idle drops to 700-800 and stops randomly when out of gear and idling. When it finally did start, it would put up a huge blue smoke cloud. When I go to start it, it has a hard time starting. Dec 4, 2011 · Re: Mercury 90 hp 2 stroke - Difficulty with cold start up and sluggish Fuel mix would have to be way wrong to cause a starting problem That's not the problem. 0. Nov 27, 2017 · 15 simple things to check if the outboard won't start -- along with how to fix them at least well enough to get home. Jan 25, 2017 · When a Mercury outboard is hard to start up, it’s a clear sign that something is wrong with the motor. I even had the fire department called on me once because somebody thought my boat was on fire ! After much checking Dec 28, 2023 · Known for their superior horsepower range and efficient engine performance, it’s undeniable that Mercury outboards are leaders in the industry. May 30, 2023 · Mercury 2-Stroke Outboard Troubleshooting: Common Problems and Solutions 1. net, John will guide you through troubleshooting an outboard that won’t start by address Aug 30, 2010 · Re: Intermittent no start/hard start - 01 Merc 150 EFI Alright did some troubleshooting today and found good pressure -34-36 lbs with key on but while cranking it would drop to about 20-22 and then pick back up with the longer I cranked it. I run the outboard when I launch. Fuel filter is clogged - Fuel filter needs changing. After running the boat out to my fishing spot, cut the motor off for 5-10 minutes, the boat absolutely will not start unless I throttle it up a Oct 24, 2009 · Re: mercury 90 hp hard to start when cold Your engine has a primer in place of a choke and if the carbs a pumped up should fire in the first couple times over. Jun 26, 2017 · So I've been having this issue lately where it seems to have a hard time starting after it gets warmed up. Check Fuel Level: Ensure there’s enough fuel in the boat’s fuel tank. Aug 18, 2024 · Troubleshooting 2 Stroke Ignition Problems The most common thing I get asked over the phone to assist with is diagnosing outboard ignition problems. In some cases, the engine may crank slowly but still fails to start over. Runs good throughout all RPM (800-5600). 2) trim motor to level position 3) hold in choke for a looong 10 coun. 4) let out key and start. The choke works, the primer Feb 6, 2025 · Is your outboard motor giving you a hard time starting? Don’t let a stubborn engine ruin your boating adventures. Jun 12, 2025 · Troubleshooting tips for Mercury outboards that won't start. There are lots of good features and specs of it. While outboards have become more and more complex, they still operate on much the same principles as they did before the current wave of EFI/DFI and four-stroke technology. It happens to most of us! You jump on a boat, turn the battery switch on and hit the key switch. 8K subscribers Subscribe Faulty Air Temperature Sensor: Will cause hard starting and rough idle. troubleshooting an outboard with starting problems This article describes the most common outboard starting problems and introduces a methodical approach to testing each with simple tools and a basic process. Damaged spark plug wiring connection - Check spark plug wiring connection, repair or change. Here’s what to do if your engine won't kickstart! Why won’t my outboard engine turn over? There are multiple reasons why your engine won't turn over. Jan 15, 2008 · I am experiencing a nerve racking problem on my 1998 90HP Johnson outboard. - Cranks and fires up sometimes but dies - Cranks and Engine will not start or hard to start Empty fuel tank - Add gasoline. Aug 13, 2018 · Dual Mercury Master Technician - for Mercury Outboards, Mercruiser and Mercury Racing at European Marine in Greenville, SC. Engine Won’t Start One of the most common issues that Mercury 2-stroke outboard owners face is the engine’s failure to start. Details and data provided herein apply to 2002+ Mercury outboard 150, 175, 200 electronic fuel injecti