1987 mercury wont start unless trimmed all the way down

[duppie03]

I have a 1987 90hp ELPTO that wont start unless it's trimmed all the way down. This gets to be a problem when Im sitting in around a foot of water fishing the flats. Once I get the motor started it will run trimmed up but getting it started is tough. There have been a few times I've either had to get out and push, or pole my flats boat to deeper water.

Any suggestions with my problem are greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

Aaron

 

[canoemang]

Re: 1987 mercury wont start unless trimmed all the way down

I know the older ones have a mercury switch that wont allow it to start if trimmed up..

does it crank and just not fire?

 

[racerone]

Re: 1987 mercury wont start unless trimmed all the way down

Look into issues with the enricher circuit.----What is your start procudure when engine is trimmed up.

 

[little.boat]

Re: 1987 mercury wont start unless trimmed all the way down

Has this always been a problem it just recently developed? If it is new maybe you need to clean and rebuild your carbs.

 

[MH Hawker]

Re: 1987 mercury wont start unless trimmed all the way down

I know the older ones have a mercury switch that wont allow it to start if trimmed up..

does it crank and just not fire?

That is the first question

 

[duppie03]

Re: 1987 mercury wont start unless trimmed all the way down

It does crank, but no it doesnt fire...The problem has recently started with my last two trips out fishing. Once I can get in water deep enough to lower the motor down it fires right up and runs great.

 

[Alumarine]

Re: 1987 mercury wont start unless trimmed all the way down

It does crank, but no it doesnt fire...The problem has recently started with my last two trips out fishing. Once I can get in water deep enough to lower the motor down it fires right up and runs great.

After you get it started will it run when it's trimmed up?

 

[MH Hawker]

Re: 1987 mercury wont start unless trimmed all the way down

I would suspect the mercury kill tilt switch,

 

[duppie03]

Re: 1987 mercury wont start unless trimmed all the way down

Yes it runs while its trimmed up

 

[tazrig]

Re: 1987 mercury wont start unless trimmed all the way down

I would suspect the mercury kill tilt switch,

+1^^^ If it died once you got it running and then trimmed it up i would have said it was a carb issue.

 

[Dukedog]

Re: 1987 mercury wont start unless trimmed all the way down

Mercury switch is supposed ta keep it from starting when trimmed all tha way "up". Usually if they go south (which seldom happens) it will keep it from starting or let it start in any position. Take if completely off and tape up tha wire ta see what happens. Sounds like tha problem might be something else...........jmo

 

[BatDaddy1887]

Re: 1987 mercury wont start unless trimmed all the way down

I wonder if there is any way possible to adjust the tilt of the mercury switch a bit?

 

[CharlieB]

Re: 1987 mercury wont start unless trimmed all the way down

You need to test to determine if it is an ignition or fuel problem.

The very first test is simply check for spark when the condition occurs. Pull a spark plug wire, attach a spark checker or have some very brave soul hold the wire while you hit the starter. Once the guy screams you'll know for sure the ignition is fine and you need to clean the carbs and adjust the float levels exactly as spelled out in the factory service manual.

If you don't have a brave soul aboard a spark tester will work just fine.

 

[Alumarine]

Re: 1987 mercury wont start unless trimmed all the way down

You need to test to determine if it is an ignition or fuel problem.

The very first test is simply check for spark when the condition occurs. Pull a spark plug wire, attach a spark checker or have some very brave soul hold the wire while you hit the starter. Once the guy screams you'll know for sure the ignition is fine and you need to clean the carbs and adjust the float levels exactly as spelled out in the factory service manual.

If you don't have a brave soul aboard a spark tester will work just fine.

If you can't find a brave person a stupid one will do...

 

[1nebel0]

Re: 1987 mercury wont start unless trimmed all the way down

agree with a number of above..disco the little black mercury switch from the switch box....that will most likely be the problem....don't need it if you don't start the motor out of the water and burn up the impeller...that is the safety function on the switch....

 

[canoemang]

Re: 1987 mercury wont start unless trimmed all the way down

If you can't find a brave person a stupid one will do...

Sign me up :beguiled:

 

[duppie03]

Re: 1987 mercury wont start unless trimmed all the way down

Thank you for everyone's replys, Ill be trying your suggestions tonight down at the ramp when I get home.