[skategoat]

Yesterday, I tried to manually start my '98 Mariner 50HP four-stroke. I figured it would be good practice in case my battery died while I was out on the water. My emergency pull cord disappeared long ago so I used a replacement cord.Wrapped it around the flywheel 3-4 times an yanked with all my might - with zero success. Tried it a dozen times but all I could manage was one compression stroke and the motor never fired.Is there some trick to this or is the whole emergency start procedure a lark? Good thing I have a VHF.Henry

[Mercury140-I6]

Should fire as long as the key is turned on and the fuel bulb is hard. http://www.myfishingpictures.com/sho...00&passwo rd= Craig

[andrewkafp]

There is a big difference between cold and warm start. The Rope is not really designed for the 1st start of the day.. That takes place at home on muffs using the electric starter. When it's been run and is on anchor.. The starter doesn't need to do much to fire it up.. That's where the rope works well.

[Ben Konopacky]

could be done,in an emerg. a LITTLE shot of ether (starting fluid) does wonders,don't overdoooo it.

[skategoat]

It was cold. I'll try again next weekend with the motor warm. I suppose that does duplicate the emergency, battery-dead situation. If I can't get it to go, I'm installing a dual battery system. Thanks,Henry

[phatmanmike]

If I can't get it to go, I'm installing a dual battery system.

sounds like a great idea regardless

[achris]

I thought all boats have a dual battery setup......