1987 Mariner 3 Cyl. 90HP Starting Problems

[frednick1]

I have a 1987 90HP, 3 cylinder, Mariner outboard. <br /><br />When I start it cold, it is hard to start and it will idle after several tries but it runs on one (1) cylinder for a while but it doesn't have enough juice to push the boat and it dies as soon as I put it in gear.<br /><br />So, I drop the electric trolling motor and fish for a while. Maybe 20 minutes right around the ramp.<br /><br />I then start it up again and it runs on 2 cylinders and gets me to the other side of the lake (about a mile) and I fish there for another 20-45 minutes.<br /><br />I then start it up and it idles and runs fine and I can go 35-40 MPH for the rest of the day.<br /><br />WEIRD! you say. That's what I say, too.<br /><br />I've replaced the spark plugs, wires, battery, starter. I've messed with the slow speed and idle adjustments and the timing settings to no avail. <br /><br />It has fresh gas and correct type oil.<br /><br />Any ideas why this thing treats me this way?<br /><br />Frednick1

 

[JB]

Re: 1987 Mariner 3 Cyl. 90HP Starting Problems

Sounds like a cold failure in your ignition system, Fredrick.<br /><br />Something doesn't work cold, but as it gets warmed up it begins to work.<br /><br />Take the bonnet off and put a hair dryer (NOT a heat gun) on the ignition system, part by part.<br /><br />My guess is that when you warm (or dry?) the offending part the engine will start to run well.<br /><br />Replace the "works when warm only" part.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[frednick1]

Re: 1987 Mariner 3 Cyl. 90HP Starting Problems

JB,<br /><br />Makes sense. <br /><br />I'll try to find a hair dryer that runs on 12VDC and take it with us on the next fishing trip.<br /><br />TNX. But beware. I know where you guys are now and I'll be back with more questions.<br /><br />Frednick1