115 HP Mercury 4 cyl starting

J

jwalk1

Recruit
Joined
Aug 9, 2009
Messages
1
I have a 1994, 4 cyl 115 Mercury. (actually a 2/4...runs on 2 cyl to 950 rpm, then 4) Starting is difficult when cold and i dont think its gas or spark. The starter does not stay engaged long enough to start. Sometimes it only goes for a second and you have to turn-off and re-try. Battery is a large marine battery....starting and deep cycle, but it doesnt make a difference if i use a starting only battery.
Any ideas?
 
L

lugnutz426

Cadet
Joined
Jul 24, 2009
Messages
9
Re: 115 HP Mercury 4 cyl starting

IF YOU PULL OUT THE 4 PLUGS DOES IT NOW CRANK LONGER?. WHEN IT STOPS CRANKING IS SOLONOID STILL ENGAGED? check with voltmeter.

check actual voltage at starter while cranking. could be voltage drop due to

poor conections or bad cable/ solonoid. When you pull out plugs and crank

it look for water or load of fuel from one or more cyl indicating hydostatic

lock up. fuel would be a bad float. water could be number of problems.

joe
 
S

sschefer

Rear Admiral
Joined
Nov 13, 2008
Messages
4,530
Re: 115 HP Mercury 4 cyl starting

That's typical of the 2x4's. When you choke it, fuel goes to all 4 cylinders and it is rich enough to burn so it does but the oil from the bearings has accumulated in no. 4 so it kicks and that disengages the starter. The only cure is to replace the engine.. Which, by the way, is the best advice you'll ever get.

Mine will do it if I trim the motor up for extended periods of time. These engines don't have normal seals between the cylinders in the crankcase. These engines use rings between the rollers on the main bearings and they naturally leak when the engine isn't running.
 
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