[Blinkin]

This is for my brothers boat so I will try to give as much info as possible.
Mid to late 80's 60hp Mariner engine.

He told me it cranks and runs perfectly at home hooked to the waterhose but when he puts it in the lake it is very hard to get cranked and doesn't want to idle.

I am assuming it has something to do with the pressure being present when hooked to the hose and not when in the lake.

If any other info is crucial for a better response let me know and i will get as much info as possible.

Thanks in advance.

[CharlieB]

I haven't noticed a difference in cranking in vs out of the water but I don't deny that it isn't possible.

Many starter problems are cured with cleaning battery cable ends, both + and - cables, BOTH ends, AND the short cable between the starter and relay. Clean, sand each and every terminal. You are not finished until all are BRIGHT AND TIGHT.

Many idling problems are caused by dirty carbs and/or poor idle mixture.

Idleing on the hose does not require as much fuel as in the water, idle mixtures in the water are often almost 1/4 turn fatter than those set on a hose.

Fatten the idle mixture then reset running in gear once on the water. Adjust to best idle, in gear, plus 1/8 turn. If there is any bog or hesitation on rapid throttling from idle then increase additionall 1/8 turn and retest.