Emergency Procedure Ideas

[MyOldBoat]

I always carry general tools and a pump pack on the boat in case of problems. This past week however, I was unable to get anything to work. I haven't dug into the wiring completely to hunt down my problem but I am curious to hear some advice on:

1. How to start a 115 hp Mercury via the emergency pull start. I gave it a few good pulls and it seemed to barely be enough to even turn the engine over. Anyone have any tips to getting a good emergency pull start? What if you tilt the engine so the prop is out of the water? Bad idea?

2. I am now going to carry a volt meter and bit of patch wire on the boat. Anyone have any experience as to what to check? Always start at the solenoid and check for juice or?

Thanks for all the help. Being a rookie captain isn't easy, but your help definitely beats time sitting in the middle of the lake figuring it out while keeping fingers crossed.

 

[SeaKaye12]

Re: Emergency Procedure Ideas

I've seen Utube Videos of people actually pull-starting those.....I wouldn't want to have to rely on me doing it....

Maybe if the engine was in perfect tune and had been just recently running...

Please post HP and year (or serial number; even better) of your engine so people here can help you better.

Chuck

 

[Dave1027]

Re: Emergency Procedure Ideas

I have pull started my 100 hp once when I was out at the lake and the battery just up and died. I keep the rope in the glove box for emergencies. If you have the 6 cylinder it may be harder than my 4. I would think that if it comes with a rope and has provision on the flywheel for it then most able bodied men should be able to do it.

Most important, get everyone out of the boat before you try. I grunted down on that thing and when the rope came off it would have definitely left a mark on someone.

The motor should be in the down position for two reasons. Tilted up it won't start due to the mercury switch and you need the flywheel parallel to the pull direction.

 

[MyOldBoat]

Re: Emergency Procedure Ideas

Thanks for the advice guys! The engine is a 115hp 6 cylinder Mercury. Serial # 5315154.

After tracking down wires today I found that the entire wiring harness is in rough shape. The wire that leads to the starter solenoid was what brought on my troubles. I guess if I had been thinking at the time I could have just cross the positive lead onto the starting post to actuate the starter. A temporary fix but I am guessing it would have worked in a bind.

The wiring harness looked to be fine, but after pealing back the electrical tape I found the original wires to be in very bad shape. Looks like a replacement harness is a little over $100. Wish I could just make my own but the wires lead into the rubber boot connector so the factory harness may be the way to go.

On that note: the harness is a Mercury P/N 84-85532 and if anyone has a good used one or is looking to sell one let me know!

Thanks Again!

 

[milehighboater]

Re: Emergency Procedure Ideas

Na I have had to start my 75hp with the pull start and I almost went into the lake when it finaly turned over, it is possible though. The secret is setting the throttle a bit high and tapeing the key down so the choke stays on.

 

[Dave1027]

Re: Emergency Procedure Ideas

The secret is setting the throttle a bit high and tapeing the key down so the choke stays on.

Once it fires you have to quickly rip the tape off. You can also prime it and then press the manual button on the enrichment solenoid. Repeat till it starts.