Wont start unless i add gas/oil mix in carb.

[muki1212]

I have a 1985 mercury 35 hp pull start.i can pull the pull start at least 30- 40 times before it even tries to start unless i squirt some gas/oil mix. I have a new fuel filter and rebuilt the fuel pump.didnt help.

 

[GA_Boater]

Is your primer bulb getting firm when you squeeze it and is the choke working?

 

[muki1212]

Not to sound stupid but how would i know if the choke is working?and the primer bulb get firm but not hard.i just bought a brand new primer bulb.could the gas tank be bad?

 

[GA_Boater]

Let me re-phrase the question. Do you use the choke?

A bad tank would show up after the motor is started,

 

[MTboatguy]

It is pretty easy to see if the choke is working, pull off the hood and look at the front of the carb when you pull or slide the choke knob, it should cover the throat of the carb to restrict air and rich'n the mixture of fuel to air as well as help with vacuum to fill the bowl to help start the engine, after you get it to fire or running you turn the choke off. If you have a pull start motor, it should be a manual choke.

 

[muki1212]

Yes choke is is open when i try to start i can see the throat of the carb.even when motor is running for a while if i close the choke motor shuts off right away.is that normal?

 

[MTboatguy]

Yup, once it is started, you need to leave the choke open, you only use the choke when starting the motor.