1980- 81 9.8 HP Merc 110 Tough to start then easy

Just changed the plugs,spark is good. This little motor runs like a champ once it starts. Problem is its really hard to start the first time.I have to pull til my arm is sore. Once it starts it runs WOT and idles fine. I can shut it down and it will start over and over again on 1 or 2 pulls.Next day same hard start problem. Any suggestions appreciated. Thank You.

Re: 1980- 81 9.8 HP Merc 110 Tough to start then easy

It sounds like a fuel problem some of the older 9.8 and 7.5 HP engines had a two piece choke butterfly that the spring would not keep shut you might ck it while pulling the engine over, if it's OK squirt a little fuel in the carb and try to start to start it to see if it's a fuel problem and we can go from there

Re: 1980- 81 9.8 HP Merc 110 Tough to start then easy

When I squirt fuel into the carb it starts right up.The choke appears to function properly.

Re: 1980- 81 9.8 HP Merc 110 Tough to start then easy

Then try to richen the low speed jet about 1/2 turn it could be a lean mix or the float is set to low

Re: 1980- 81 9.8 HP Merc 110 Tough to start then easy

Laddies, Thank You again for your response. Sure, as I pulled the choke knob out I figured the choke was closed. I foolishly disregarded your mention of a two peice choke butterfly as mine has only peice. So this morning tried to start it again and had the same problem(hard starting). I pulled the cover off and checked the butterfly. Although the choke knob was all the way out the butterfly was not closed all the way. I held on to the knob in order to pull it out( past where it clicked) and close the butterfly all the way.Started up easily. With your advise I believe the problem to be solved.Saved me from wasting time and money on an unnecessary repair. Once again Thanks to you and all of the other posters on this site. I could not own a boat without it. Love your life and enjoy your day.

Re: 1980- 81 9.8 HP Merc 110 Tough to start then easy

This might not apply to your engine since mine's older than yours, but here goes.<br /><br />I have an old Merc 9.8 with a similar issue - the choke was not closing completely when I pulled the choke knob. On mine the choke knob moves a cable and there is a bracket that holds the cable to the top of the carb assembly. I rotated that bracket slightly so that when I pull the knob, it completely closes the butterfly. That might help too.

Re: 1980- 81 9.8 HP Merc 110 Tough to start then easy

D , That was also my solution. Great minds think alike. Thank YOU.

Re: 1980- 81 9.8 HP Merc 110 Tough to start then easy

2much, you can loosen the bolt on the top of the carb and adjust the cable to work properly as long as the detent is still there

Re: 1980- 81 9.8 HP Merc 110 Tough to start then easy

wow, I just happen to have the same prob with my 7.5 hp . the question is.Would this cause the plugs to foul out or at least corrode them? I changed the plugs and the bulb and line. it took a little while but it finally started,ran fine all day. the next morning same problem.