hard starting 3 liter merc

[intrepid]

maybe some help with my start up problem

i have a 1995 capri 1952 model cuddy 3 liter merc engine i/o -- commander 3000 control

that has a cold start problem

usually happens after not starting the boat for at least a month or 3 weeks.

When the engine is cold it will not start even after priming
(moving the handle back and forth multiple times)
all the time.

press in the neutral switch move level forward all the way then back and forward again about 1/3 and try to turn over.

most times the entire electrical systems acts as if it were dead and only the feul / other guages indicate.

Then it does fire After a few tries , ---When it does start
the engine seems to run on 2 or 3 cylinders shaking violently at first till it warms up , then its ok


once started and warm it restarts no problem

neutral safety switch bad ? ?? suggestions ?

 

[Don S]

Re: hard starting 3 liter merc

When was the last time it had a full tuneup? Plugs, cap, rotor, etc.?
Is the choke working properly?

 

[intrepid]

Re: hard starting 3 liter merc

I put new plugs in it every year, new oil filter ,

Cap / rotor replaced about 15 hours ago

The choke I'm not sure , how would that need to be cleaned out ?

also note that when the key is turned the ther guages "lite" up but the starter does not crank, maybe I don't have the controler the right spot for the start ?

 

[Don S]

Re: hard starting 3 liter merc

If you pushed in the throttle only button, then it doesn't make any difference, you have to be in neutral for throttle only. So that would eliminate the shifter not being in neutral. When it doesn't crank, do you hear a click from the engine compartment?
Try this to check out your starting problem.
http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=167035
Also make sure ALL your battery connections are TIGHT and clean. When I say tight, that is with a wrench, not thumb screw tight.

As for the choke, it's probably not a problem with it being dirty, as much as being out of adjustment. When cold, it should be closed.
You may also have a problem with the accelerator pump inside the carburator.

 

[JustJason]

Re: hard starting 3 liter merc

if your only starting this thing once a month then the carb's drying out.