Problems starting my 2001 200hp Mercury outboard

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MG3 Mako

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Nov 20, 2012
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I have an 87 21B with a 2001 Mercury 200 HP I just bought as my first boat. I'm having a hard time with starting the motor when cold. I had the pleasure of running it for one day and ran just fine. I turned it off while fishing and started right back up when I was ready to wrap up my day. However this morning I went to fire it up and it wouldn't want to start. I drained the fuel/water separator and in line fuel filter. I have plenty of gas and juice in the battery. What else can I check for before having to take it to the mechanic and have to dish out another thousand.
 
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Lyle29464

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Mar 10, 2009
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Re: Problems starting my 2001 200hp Mercury outboard

Not being a smart *** but have you read the owners manual? ( the starting section)
 
M

MG3 Mako

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Re: Problems starting my 2001 200hp Mercury outboard

No I haven't. But I never had an issue starting it before. I had it at home for about 2 months before I put it in the water for the first time. I would start it up once a week for about 10 minutes. I feel like this problem started after I ran it for a whole day.
 
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Maxz695

Guest
Re: Problems starting my 2001 200hp Mercury outboard

It may be simple as a bad plug or you need to adjust the mixture screw. Try turning it into a very light seat as not to damage it, then turn out 1 1/4 turns. Choke it intil it wants to start then unchoke it and give a pull or two.
 
M

MG3 Mako

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Re: Problems starting my 2001 200hp Mercury outboard

Thanks Maxz. I went ahead and changed the spark plugs this morning. However that didn't do the trick, the motor still doesn't want to crank. I didn't mess with the mixture screw since I wasn't sure which one it was. Is that the screw above the carbs with a spring behind it?
 
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