1997 force mercury 40 hp- starting sequence?

[Discotator]

Hey guys,

I am in need of some help. I have a 1997 force 40 hp mercury and on relatively cool and cold mornings. I have to sit and crank it for about 10 minutes until it gets internally warm enough to actually start. Is there a sequence that someone knows that I don't? I normally put the key in, prime, the bulb, trim it down or at least down enough to make sure that it's in the water, then I will push in on the key to choke it and continue to turn to where it's turning over with the choke on . I normally do that for about 2 to 3 minutes and then let off of the key and try to start it without the choke. Essentially it comes down to me for an excessive amount of time to let it warm itself up to the point where it will actually fire and start.

If anyone has any experience or wisdom, it would be greatly appreciated. I have some very cold months coming up for duckhunting and need to get a system down.

 

[racerone]

If you are cranking that much you have likely ruined the starter.---In my opinion you should taking starter apart for inspection.-----

 

[Discotator]

If you are cranking that much you have likely ruined the starter.---In my opinion you should taking starter apart for inspection.-----

Inspected it already. Good voltage. Good ohms. I don't overheat it- I just give it a 2-5 second break in between.

 

[Jiggz]

The start sequence you are now doing is almost perfect except for one or two steps. When priming with the priming bulb, you need to continue to depress until it is firm. NOT HARD BUT FIRM. An indication the fuel pump is primed and the carbs floats are all up and putting in a resistance to more fuel flow.

When initially cold starting, place the control throttle handle in fast idle position. Depending on the type of controls you have there are normally two ways to engage the control throttle in fast idle.
1. Pull out type - you do this by pulling on the control throttle handle towards to the driver. Usually, all you need is to hold it by its "arm" mid point and then pull it towards the driver and then push forward.

2. Push button type - this one has a center button by the axis of the control handle that you push and then pushing the handle forward for fast idle position.
-Always remember to reset the control throttle handle after the engine is warm or when you are ready to engage it by pulling it back to neutral position and it should auto reset to original position. IF YOU DO NOT RESET YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO ENGAGE IT IN GEAR AT ALL.

When using the choke system (primer solenoid), verify the system is actually working. Although, you may hear a click from the solenoid, verify fuel is actually flowing through. You can easily test this solenoid primer even with the engine not running.

 

[Discotator]

The start sequence you are now doing is almost perfect except for one or two steps. When priming with the priming bulb, you need to continue to depress until it is firm. NOT HARD BUT FIRM. An indication the fuel pump is primed and the carbs floats are all up and putting in a resistance to more fuel flow.

When initially cold starting, place the control throttle handle in fast idle position. Depending on the type of controls you have there are normally two ways to engage the control throttle in fast idle.
1. Pull out type - you do this by pulling on the control throttle handle towards to the driver. Usually, all you need is to hold it by its "arm" mid point and then pull it towards the driver and then push forward.

2. Push button type - this one has a center button by the axis of the control handle that you push and then pushing the handle forward for fast idle position.
-Always remember to reset the control throttle handle after the engine is warm or when you are ready to engage it by pulling it back to neutral position and it should auto reset to original position. IF YOU DO NOT RESET YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO ENGAGE IT IN GEAR AT ALL.

When using the choke system (primer solenoid), verify the system is actually working. Although, you may hear a click from the solenoid, verify fuel is actually flowing through. You can easily test this solenoid primer even with the engine not running.

Following up- did as you said to the letter- and boom! - starts in less than a second every time.thank you again!

 

[Jiggz]

Following up- did as you said to the letter- and boom! - starts in less than a second every time.thank you again!

Outstanding! Enjoy the rest of the boating season, or whatever remains of it.