How do you start this thing??

[Walter]

Ok you Merc guys...here's one for me!<br /><br />The pull start mechanism is incorporated in the cowling of my 1974 Merc 4 hp model 40... With the cowling off...how are you supposed to start this thing?? I can't very well troubleshoot it with the cowling on... Is there some type of pulley type adapter that attaches to the flywheel that I can wrap a rope around...kinda like they used to do in the days before auto recoil?<br /><br />I've given up on it ever running again...but have found yanking on it is good exercise. (I'm referring to my Merc here fellas...)<br /><br />Walt

 

[12Footer]

Re: How do you start this thing??

ROFLMAO,Walter

<br />A lawnmower rental place in town has what appears to be a homemade deally they use on everything. I didn't get a close look at it, but it looks like a briggs starter with a pulley on it. They used a fan belt about 3foot long,and hooked it up to a baterry. There was a heavy copper strap mounted on the side of this motor,and it made contact with the case when he sqeezed the strap. It looked pretty dangerous, but worked very well.

 

[ODDD1]

Re: How do you start this thing??

Never heard anybody call it a 'merc' before....LOL....ya you can wrap a rope around the flywheel an pull...the knot on the end will hit you in the nose enough to tick you off...if its not runnin now, best check fuel, comp an ignition first, so you got a fightin chance when you drop the cowl on...once runnin, the cowling can be gently lifted past the rotating flywheel, with requisite grinding noises...I still never get the flywheel past the cowling latches without a "kiss"...for spark tests, a speed wrench with the right size [i think 5/8"]on the flywheel nut works well....

 

[Walter]

Re: How do you start this thing??

OMG!!! I'm howling now....<br /><br />Geez ODDD1...it's as though were hiding in the bushes watching me as I did EXACTLY what you just described. I was too embarrassed to admit in here what happened. That is, I got her running and tried to lift the cowling off...but it (followed by the top third of my torso) went a spinnin'...frickin' sparks flying and everything... As much as I wanted to get her running...I was never so happy to have it shut off!!!<br /><br />Well, that's it! I'm takin' this thing into my local Merc dealer (along with my kids college fund) and sayin'..."FIX IT!!!"<br /><br />Good grief...how did he know that??? <br /><br />Walt<br /><br />PS For the spark test? You're right...a 5/8" socket works great... But you gotta remember...I'm V-8 guy! I used my 18 volt DeWalt to crank it!!!! Hee, hee.....<br /><br />"There's no substitute for cubic amperage!!"

 

[evin300]

Re: How do you start this thing??

Hey Walter, Im a V-8 Guy too, EVINRUDE that is!!!!! Ya Baby!

And they always said blacks were bigger<br /><br /><br />Hey! were talkin motors here!