Re: hard start when cold
Ok guys, I respect your opinions but I have a 90 hp triple that I have learned to start; especially on a cold day like when I was out a couple of days ago.
My starting sequence, learned by experience on this engine:
The bulb has to be pumped till firm
Engine vertical (preferred) or slightly lower in the rear
I have the Qk 2000 remote so I push in the button on the throttle (disengaging it from the shifter) and 1/3 forward (10 o'clock) is ok for positioning.....I keep one hand on it so as to control the rpm's once she lights off....may want more or less throttle....depends on the engine's temperament that day.
I turn to the RUN position on the key, push in and hold for more like 20-30 seconds.....have tried shorted times but the engine hits but doesn't take.
If I am on the starter longer than 10-15 sec I go back and resqueeze the bulb to fill everything back up with pressurized fuel. Then go back thru the key hold routine then go to START and she usually kicks off.
Always wants to die at least once, usually twice...if you let it, so I am ready with the key and throttle and when she balks, push in till it recovers and let go while tweaking the throttle to keep it running.
I leave it revving at around 1500 to 2000 (1500 preferred but hard to control) for a couple of minutes. Good time to don your life preserver and check for anything in your way.
Center the throttle (idle) and she is ready to back off the trailer.
Usually it will take the load of reversing and not die after this procedure.
Like silver said, the click you hear is the "fuel enrichment valve" opening and allowing pressurized fuel into the engine via a tube running to each carb....you need the bulb tight to have the fuel pressure to cause this to happen. Merc hasn't used a "choke" on these engines for several 10's of years. They figured that a pressurized squirt of fuel was more effective than a choke that required engine vacuum to get the fuel where it can do some good. I guess I like it ok.
After the first start of the day, unless it has been off for half hour or more, a simple touch of the key and she lights off. If she doesn't hit immediately, due to sitting, I just push in and hold for like 10 sec and she usually hits. Only after a lengthy off period would I revert back to the cold start procedure.
HTH
Mark