starting problem

[castman]

Hello, I was hoping someone can help me out with this....I have a mid to late 70's Mercury 90hp. outboard that is giving me fits. It will start up and idle just fine in the driveway with the "muffs" on it, but when you take it to the river and run it a bit, and shut it off for any reason, it is a pain to get started again. It also seems to lose its prime , as you have to re-prime the bulb again , and after it starts there is a severe lack of power, and idles/runs like crap. I am new to boats but can do some wrenching. Hopefully soemone can point me in the right direction as to what i should do/check first. Thank you in advance for your time.

Dave

 

[bgbass.1]

Re: starting problem

When it loses power try priming the ball if it pickes up you need to rebuild fuel pump

 

[Chris1956]

Re: starting problem

Dave, it is difficult to tell your issue from the description. Have someone keep pushing the primer bulb whaile you are initially running. if that fixes the issues, rebuild the fuel pump. If that doesn't fix the issue, you may have intermittent ignition or dirty carbs, or both.

Post back, and we will see if we can narrow it down. Also post back if you have the six coil ignition system or the single coil-distributor ignition.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: starting problem

I would start witha good tune up and then check the entire fuel system for cracked lines, air leaks, pinched lines and any signs of leakage. A warm engine that is down on compression will also start hard so a compression check is in order.

 

[timmathis]

Re: starting problem

Also check your vent in the tank.

 

[castman]

Re: starting problem

Thank you for all the replies. The ignition is single coil/distributor. What problems would the "reed" valves cause? Again thanx for the help.

Dave

 

[zzzzz]

Re: starting problem

I would start with the cheapest thing - a new primer bulb and make sure that the bulb faces the correct direction and is slightly elevated at the engine end - not pointing down or the check valves in the bulb won't work