Help diagnosing startup problems on a 2 stroke 50 Hp Mercury outboard

[Mike Dieterle]

I just bought a 1989 astro bass boat with a 50 Hp Mercury 2 stroke outboard on it. This is the first time I have ever owned a boat or worked on a boat so bear with me. When I hook up the water to the engine in my drive way to test it before I go out on the water it normally takes 2-3 turns of the key to get it started. When I have the boat in the water it always takes a minimum of 10-15 turns of the key to get it started. When I turn the key the engine is trying to turn over so no issues with the battery. I just think it is odd the difference between the two places and the fact that it never changes in the amount of turns of the key. My first thought is I need to change the spark plugs but was wondering if anyone else has a different idea. Also second question what is the best spark plugs that you recommend?

 

[CV16]

Are you pushing the key in to choke it? Are you pumping the primer bulb until it is hard?

 

[racerone]

Are you raising the fast idle lever.-------You have to learn the basics of how to start these motors.----An understanding of how things work really helps.----Just not the same as starting a modern car with the sensors and computer doing this for you.

 

[GA_Boater]

Welcome to iboats, Mike.

Starting on muffs is usually easier and faster than in the water. Muff running has virtually no exhaust back pressure compared to on the water.

Start her up like CV16 says. Most Mercs like a a good firm bulb. Also raising the warmup lever helps along with the choke for cold starts. Starting a warm motor usually doesn't need the choke or warmup, just the key crank.

You will learn the best way for cold and warm starts your motor. For example on mine, I usually squeeze the bulb, lift the warmup, crank, then choke until it pops and release the choke. That was what I found by trial and error.