Re: 90 hp merc hard to start
Proper starting technique for that engine:
Back the trailer into the water with the engines water pump fully submerged. This saves you from burning up your impeller blades running the pump dry like you currently are doing.
If you haven't already due to possible lower unit dragging the ramp, set the engine in the vertical position.
With the OEM Quicksilver/Mercury squeeze bulb vertical with output up, squeeze bulb until it becomes firm signifying that the carbs have filled and the carb needle valves have closed and shut off the fuel flow.
Set the throttle shifter to fast idle. Fast idle is out of gear with some throttle given to the engine. How much is unique to your engine. My '02 90 likes about the 1/4 full throttle position.
Turn the key to on (first click) and depress the key which will activate the fuel enrichment (choke) function and hold in for several seconds.
While stilling holding detent pressure on the key, roll it on over to start and hold in the start position for about 15 seconds or the engine lights off.
.....If the engine lights off, reduce the throttle till you control rpms in the 1500 give or take range. If it attempts to die, just push in on the key and hold till it catches and release the key. Do as many times as necessary. Allow a couple of minutes for the engine to stabilize (temp related time) , shut down your fast idle if using the 2000 remote; 3000 does it automatically, and back off the trailer.
.....If it doesn't light off, release the switch allowing it to return to the on position, depress it again and repeat the process. In cold weather and if you haven't used the boat for awhile, like mine sits for a couple of months sometimes, it will require more cycles. On mine if it ran the previous day it lights off the first attempt. Don't just sit there and grind the starter; bad for equipment. If you have attempted several cycles with no success, firm the bulb back up to refill the carbs and go at again.
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On the connection you mentioned, if you never disconnect your engine from your fuel tank you do not need an engine disconnect fuel connector. Some times they are just more trouble than they are worth. I don't have one on mine. With today's engines I do not run the fuel out of the engine when finished boating for the day. I use Sea Foam in my fuel mix and it has done a great job for me in keeping my carbs clean. Directions on the can and I knew nothing of the product prior to joining this forum in 2004. Won't be without it now. 10 years on my carbs without touching them and they had zero gum and varnish. I'm sold.
HTH,
Mark
