Hard to Start, Wont Idle in Gear

[taylormade995]

Gentlemen first I would like to thank everyone who helped me with my "no spark" issue. John was right it was the stator, thanks John. The problem I'm facing now is the engine is hard to start, once it starts I have to keep the rpm's up for about 30-45 seconds then it will idle @ about 800 rpm's. When I put it in gear it wants to stall unless I throttle it quickly. Once it"s going it's great. I'm averaging 72 mph @ 4900 rpm's. I have went through the Lync/Sync process as per the manual. Carb's rebult, new plugs & wires. All new fuel lines, new fuel pump, removed and cleaned the fuel cell. I have adjusted the idle and it doesn't help for when in gear. Please Help, I have a beautiful boat and it makes you feel like crap at the launch ramp when it doesn't want to start.
The engine is a 1986 Mercury 150 XR2. Thanks Again...

 

[j_martin]

Re: Hard to Start, Wont Idle in Gear

Are you sure you have the right jets in the carbs, based on the carb model number? Sounds like you might be a bit lean at idle.

Rig up a fuel pressure gauge temporarily. Verify that fuel pressure holds above 1 lb. at idle. You might have a pinhole leak in the suction line.

If good, and if you have good compression, throw in a set of Chris Carson sport reeds.

I'm assuming it cranks briskly. The earliest symptom on these things for a weak battery or starter is failure to start. It must crank briskly or it won't fire.

 

[taylormade995]

Re: Hard to Start, Wont Idle in Gear

Thanks John for the reply, it does crank briskly and I will perform the fuel pressure test. Actually I was thinking it was too rich at idle because I also smell fuel when trying to start and when it dies out. The carb jets are what came in it I haven't changed them. I have installed a water seperator and a clear fuel filter at the tank because in the very begining I had a water/fuel problem.
Thanks Again John..
Michael

 

[j_martin]

Re: Hard to Start, Wont Idle in Gear

Unless you bought the motor brand new, don't assume the carbs are the ones that came on the motor, or that the jets are the right ones for the carbs.

Lots of folks thought that a 150 became a 200 if you changed the carbs, and messed them up just like yer saying yers is. You have to determine which carbs are on the engine, and what the jet sizes are in the carbs. Better actually measure at least one, because sometimes they get drilled out.

Even if it's too lean to fire, you'll smell fuel because what gets in the engine doesn't burn.

hope it helps
John

 

[aussieflash]

Re: Hard to Start, Wont Idle in Gear

When doing your link and sinc,did you adjust your idle in forward gear,in the water with throttle cable barrel removed from Barrel retainer.Your motor should be idling at 600-700 rpm in forward gear IN the water.

 

[CharlieB]

Re: Hard to Start, Wont Idle in Gear

Ditto everything John his said.

I'd also like to mention your WOT RPM seems too low, which can also be a sign that the carbs are not 'factory'.

 

[j_martin]

Re: Hard to Start, Wont Idle in Gear

Ditto everything John his said.

I'd also like to mention your WOT RPM seems too low, which can also be a sign that the carbs are not 'factory'.

Could also mean that the prop pitch is too high for the application. This engine would rather run fast than slow. Overheat and excessive wear will occur if overloaded.