Hello, I just purchased my first boat, a Bass Tracker Pro 18 Jet, with a 90 HP sport-jet. Just wondering how to start the thing after it sets for a few days to a few weeks? I have no primer bulb so I can't prime it. Also the proper technique for using the key operated choke. Thanks
Why don't you have a primer bulb? Why can't you install one?
Unless you have an elevated tank(higher than the engine's carbs), fuel returns to the tank and, if the suction is correct, could drain, or partially drain your carb's bowls.
It's nearly impossible to suck fuel (adequate fuel for starting) into the engine at cranking speeds with the engine's fuel pump. It's hard enough to start with a primer bulb.
Once you get your bulb, (grin) and squeeze till firm, incorporate the fast idle function......don't know how a jet is setup.......on boats you either have a lift lever on the rear of the control box (all the way up) or on a different control, you push in on the big black button in the throttle/shift lever and advance the lever (throttle only now) 10-20 degrees forward.
Then get on your key switch, turn one click cw to ON and push in for a period of time depending upon weather....colder, the longer you hold it. May take 15 seconds, or as long as 45.
Then, while still pushed in, rotate the key on over to START and hold it till the engine fires.....not over a minute at a time max (could burn up the starter).
As soon as the engine lights off, using your fast idle lever (whichever type), reduce the setting to keep engine rpm's below 2500 (preferably 2000) rpm's for a couple of minutes to let the engine stabilize. If it wants to choke out on you, depress the key till it recovers and release it (that dumps more fuel into the engine because it is usually too lean......requires more fuel.... when cold). It should then remain running on it's own at idle. If it chokes out, just hit the starter again; it may start right up. If not, reverse the process (push the key) try it again, or if necessary go back and squeeze the bulb again.
Before you go racing off, run it around for a few minutes at mid rpm's (more or less) to allow the engine time to warm up before going to WOT.
Thanks a lot, for the info. I'm not sure why it doesn't have a bulb, I came across a post somewhere that someone said they were not fire rate for inboard use, I've seen some pics of the new boats like mine with the 175 HP motors with bulbs. Also I guess I don't under stand how the choke works, Does it not work like a car choke, why do you hold it in for so long before you crank? (I.E. close a butter fly.) As for the fast Idel I have a button you pull out on the throttle handle.
The choke is not a choke....no butterfly that closes off the venturi air inlet like they had back in the 50's and automotive carburetors used.
A much simpler system Merc devised years ago. First of all you need a primer bulb to develop fuel pressure.................
The pressurized fuel is fed to the carbs to fill up the bowls and additionally to a "Fuel Enrichment" solenoid (valve). When you push the key in (in the ON or START) position, you open the valve (black wire with yellow stripe goes to it) and this "pressurized fuel" flows into the intake manifold of the engine via the carburetors.
So now you have your "fuel rich" environment within the intake manifold, conducive to starting. The fast idle works best if all the way open, forward, up, or whatever way is opposite to "no fast idle" position. Just have one hand on it so that when the engine lights off you can cut the rpm's to safe values (since they are all over the place at this time), and as I said, the other hand is ready to push the key back in if the engine coughs or tries to die.
Great info , I really appreciate it, I'll be trying a primer bulb and the method you advised. may be a week or so but I'll let you know how it works out. Thanks.
Mercury Sport jet Starting?
Linear Mode
