[jmburock]

I am running a 1989 Mariner 75hp 3cyl with no problems once the motor is warm. The problem is the cold starting routine. It takes at least 5+ tries to get it and sometimes it still wont turn over. New lines, vent open, fresh fuel, new primer bulb, full charge battery, new plugs, no leaks in fuel lines, enricher valver working. Engine seems to flood perhaps with the usual starting technique. When i tilt the motor out and the gas runs of the carbs, I can sometimes start it by turning the key, but not pushing the key in to open the enricher valve. Once tickover, all is good. Restart well after warm and the leftover fuel is burned off. Is this a stuck float, needle, ?fuel pump prob (doubtful), enricher valver, etc. Overall still a great engine but starting is a challenge.

[stan_deezy]

I might be way off here but........this sounds very like a problem I had with my Mariner 40 4cyl. Got worse and worse until finally wouldn't start at all: very weak spark: stator failing. Can you check the stator readings?

[jmburock]

I am almost convinced the problem is fuel related instead of electrical but I could be wrong. What are the warning signs that the stator is bad. I am hoping to not have to pull the flywheel to get to that thing. To be honest, I've never checked the stator readings- will check my service manual. Starting is never a problem when the engine is warm, only when cold. When warm, ticks over with a bump of the key.

[stan_deezy]

Like I say I could be miles off, but it sounds similar: cold starting was a real pain but once started she would run okay and start all the time. The only thing that pointed me towards the stator, apart from poor starting, was the battery charging seemed quite poor.

[jmburock]

Once you put in a new stator did it completely resolve your cold starting problems? If it did, then it might be worthwhile looking into this. I'm sure it was not a cheap part however??? From reading the old replies on mariner stators, it seems the 80's mariners had some problems with this part. Too bad, considering where the thing is located and how important it is..

[andy6374]

First off, old mercs and mariners can be notoriously hard starters. That being said...Test the stator leads. Make sure all the ignition coils have a good ground. See if you can isolate a cylinder with no spark. If everything checks out fine, I would try cleaning the carbs. If you haven't done it before, it has been too long. I never cleaned mine until this year (88' V6 merc). After that, starting the engine...the difference is night and day. I don't even have to choke it, just fill the carbs and it fires up.-andy

[Vlad D Impeller]

I have the exact make, year and model outboard as you do, its a wonderful engine, have you checked the condition of the sparkplugs and its wires?To understand your problem better, are you saying that the motor would not turnover or crank?or it cranks but would'nt start?

[jmburock]

Vlad d impeller-my motor: Serial number OC170850 89 Mariner 3cyl 75hpthanks for your reply-I put in new plugs and wires. The engine cranks but doesn't like to turn over when cold. the less i choke it the better (as opposed to what other mercury people usually do to start'er up) when I pulled the old plugs- somewhat wet, some carbon pieces (from seafoaming the engine), but not the usual brown/gray color I would have hoped to see in a used plug. Do you have other tips on keeping this particular engine a happy one.

[Vlad D Impeller]

if it is flooding when the enricher valve is engaged, it could be that the enricher valve may be faulty, remove the top hose on the enricher valve, if gas flows out of the hose you will need to replace the valve, also check the main fuel jet, if it is loose tighten it, if the problem remains i would recheck the float setting and make sure that the inlet needle ain't worn out.

[jmburock]

Vlad Impeller-when i push in the key i hear the solenoid click in the enricher valve. so at the least the electrical part of it is working. i'll have to check it tomorrow. main fuel lines all secure. i've replaced the crappy plastic connectors on the lines that would seem to snap off too easily. question for you, probably a dumb one, what does the button on the bottom of the shifter do (it says throttle only around it). i have a quicksilver commander unit. I wish it were the Commander 2000 because that has the neutral throttle lever on it which would probably help with cold starting.

[Qld_Kev]

This sounds similar to my old engine (although it was an evinrude) Ended up being the CDI was not producing a good spark when cold. Once warm it would run all day. I pent many attempts with the fuel system cause it always flooded when starting, but this was happening cause it wasn't getting a good spark to start with.

[stan_deezy]

Bristol-Mariner, I can confirm that the minute the stator was replaced she became a first time starter again: everytime. Apparently the stator didn't "die" instantly, it just "faded away" hence the cold starting was very poor; have you checked the spark itself? Should be big fat and blue and jump a heck of a gap?

[jmburock]

Bro- it's starting to sound like you're on the money about the stator being the problem. did you replace it yourself? I'm a little leary about pulling the flywheel, buying the 3 necessary tools, etc. I usually do all my own work but this sounds like something I may have the mechanic perform. what are your thoughts. I haven't had the flywheel cover on it since I bought it- never had one (guess I could buy one from mariner for $52) Perhaps this could have sped up its demise due to saltspray corrosion?

[pine island fred]

The little button is probably for throttle friction. fred

[stan_deezy]

B-M yeah possible that salt water spray conducted onto it speeding its demise. I didn't do it myself: it was sent to the shop to diagnose and he tested it: looks simple and I did a similar job on another engine without any mishaps. You got the manual for your engine?

[stan_deezy]

Meant to add: if you do it yourself make sure you loctite the stator bots back in: apparently they can come loose and cause major grief.....

[jmburock]

i have the service manual to do the job. what i don't have are the flywheel puller, handler, and protecting cap. for the price of these three tools, i might just cave in and take to the shop, which i vowed to never have to do unless a piston ring broke or similar.

[stan_deezy]

Ditto here: had the tools but as the engine was already in the shop decided to let someone else take the strain (lazy sod me!)

[jmburock]

All starting problems were due to a failing stator that finally died completely. Now that the stator was replaced, starts first try everytime. A lot of wasted time dealing with the fuel system which was not the cause of my problems.