1974 Merc 115 Outboard Cold Start Trouble

[tennvolfanatic]

I have a 1974 115hp Merc outboard. I have trouble getting is started after it has been sitting for a day or two. There have been times when I've almost run the battery down getting it started for the first time. Once the engine starts the first time I don't have any trouble with it at all. It starts and runs like a champ. Does anyone have advice on parts I can look at to improve cold starts? Does anyone think I may be doing anything wrong when I try to cold start it?

Any advice is greatly appreciated.

 

[Barnacle_Bill]

Re: 1974 Merc 115 Outboard Cold Start Trouble

Those old mercs are notorious for that. When starting the first time in the day turn the key on, push it in and count to 10 slowly. Then start the motor and just bump the choke until it is running smoothly.

 

[dwco5051]

Re: 1974 Merc 115 Outboard Cold Start Trouble

Is the choke operating properly. If I remember correctly that motor has the choke button on top the control box. With the key in the on position but the motor not running push down on the button an there should be an audible click when the choke solenoid pulls in. If you can hear it pull in then have someone push the button on and off while checking the linkage to be certain all is connected. Once again I am reaching back in time but I think there is also a lever or pull knob that you can manually activate the choke if the solenoid is bad. Next time you try to start while the engine is cold pull it up and see if that makes a difference. When starting a cold engine the button on the control box should be depressed while you are using the key to activate the starter. You may have to let up on the button when it first starts and then push it again a few times till the motor starts running smooth.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: 1974 Merc 115 Outboard Cold Start Trouble

remove the wrap cowl and push the choke button. Top two carbs should have choke shutters that close. If so, pump primer hard. set cold start lever all the way up. Push and hold choke button and crank motor until she fires. It should start in 15 to 30 sec.