View Full Version : how many pulls does it take............
sliverslinger
10-18-2007, 05:59 PM
How many does it take to start a 40 hp mercury 402 outboard 20-30? I just changed the spark plugs in mine because it was soo hard to start and I still cannot get it to go. What else could be wrong? Is there a way to make it start easier?
MattPark
10-18-2007, 06:11 PM
If it has trouble starting when cold, and you have compression and spark (likely), then you are probably not getting enough fuel in there.
Is there a choke? Is it working?
sliverslinger
10-18-2007, 06:14 PM
If it has trouble starting when cold, and you have compression and spark (likely), then you are probably not getting enough fuel in there.
Is there a choke? Is it working?
as far as I know the choke is working, but I changed the fuel supply hose to a little smaller diameter, could that be the problem, just not enough gas?
MattPark
10-18-2007, 06:24 PM
The active fuel supply for the engine is the bowls of the carburetor. As long as they have fuel, the engine should. Whether or not that hose can flow enough for WOT is another question (my guess is it's probably fine).
I'd make a visual check sure the choke is working correctly, butterflys closing sufficiently, etc.
Starfish
10-18-2007, 08:51 PM
I think of old outboards as if they are a combination lock. Every one has its own special combo that you have to figure out. For a cold start, most like the choke completely closed, a touch of throttle or warm-up lever, give it a pull or two until it sputters. Sometimes you need to open up the choke just a bit after it coughs.
Some motors want no throttle at all, some want a lot, some want full choke, some want partial, etc. You just need to figure out the secret code.
fishkisser
10-18-2007, 09:54 PM
:agree::yeahthat: And don't forget to talk nice to it also...:smile:
Am I the only one that finds it strange that a 40 horse motor doesn't have a starter motor? Is it possible this engine is supposed to have a starter, AND an electic primer of some sort? 40 horse seems like a big motor to have not been designed to use an electric starter.
Smj
sliverslinger
10-19-2007, 08:04 AM
thats the way it came to me, The mechanic I have been using says that it can be changed over to electric start but it is expensive.
Road Rage
10-19-2007, 12:30 PM
Does it have a kill/safety lanyard/switch? It is 'On'?
Does it sputter at all?
Plug wires connected correctly?
Just a couple of ideas. Things that have plagued me in the past.
Snowwolfe
10-19-2007, 12:52 PM
Tap the bowl on the bottom of the carb. If a sticking float is causing your hard to start problems this may loosen it enough to get it easier to start.
If this works you should take the carb off and have it cleaned.
And remember not to ignore the obvious and to add some dry gas to the fuel to insure the water is gone. I would try spraying ether in the cylinder first.
fishy2k
10-19-2007, 08:56 PM
The old saying at my workplace is give it a little "progressive discipline". Sometimes it works.........Fishy
Blind Bobber
10-19-2007, 09:31 PM
Went fishing with friends last weekend. My Mercury 25 always starts by the third pull for me. My friends, however, have a tough go of it. Why? That is a topic in itself. Honestly, I believe you should not have the trouble you describe. Are the plugs wet? Does starting fuild help? You should not need it but it can tell you alot. Is your fuel fresh? Plugs gapped? let us know what you come up with.
BLIND BOBBER
Draggin' Bait
10-19-2007, 10:45 PM
I used to have a 1994 Merc 40 horse 4-cylinder engine, manual start. It was a great engine but was always hard to start the first time after changing the plugs. I'd check that it is truely in neutral, and that it doesn't need new plug wires. If it is still stubborn, give it a shot of starter fluid and you should be running. Mine was always fine after that first issue with new plugs. Good luck.
Chrome Bumper
10-23-2007, 11:13 AM
Starting fluid or WD can help a tired engine.
Normally pump fuel into the bowls, pull 4-5 times to get air/fuel mixture well distributed and it should fire up. Otherwise something is up.
I think of old outboards as if they are a combination lock. Every one has its own special combo that you have to figure out. For a cold start, most like the choke completely closed, a touch of throttle or warm-up lever, give it a pull or two until it sputters. Sometimes you need to open up the choke just a bit after it coughs.
Some motors want no throttle at all, some want a lot, some want full choke, some want partial, etc. You just need to figure out the secret code.
My rule of thumb when dealing with an unfamiliar 2 stroke:
1. Full choke.
2. Very little throttle.
3. Pull until it pops at least once.
4. Choke off and pull 2 or 3 times.
Most 2 strokes will start on the first or second pull after this procedure.
12pulls
11-02-2007, 10:00 PM
my 2004 40hp Merc is a pull start only. If I fail to fully prime prior to starting it will wear a person out. Fully prime, make sure the switch is on, make sure it's in neutral, turn the throttle up and yank. Should start within 2-3 pulls. And yes, it is a pain but once it has started for the day, it should be a 1 yank start for the rest of the day.
1pump
11-06-2007, 08:41 AM
Some motors want no throttle at all, some want a lot, some want full choke, some want partial, etc. You just need to figure out the secret code.
Yeah, no kidding. Usually it doesn't take long to figure out, unless you flood the thing.
My Merc 25 has always been the same- prime it 3 or 4 times, full choke until it fires, then quickly go to half-choke before it dies. Take it easy for a couple minutes, flip off the choke, and she's a one-yank crank for the rest of the day.
If a motor has starting issues, it's usually carb/choke settings. 2-strokes need a lot of vacuum to pull fuel, which is where an electric start is so much better.
The "choke" on my Merc really isn't a choke. It's a primer and spark advance. Pull it all the way out and it primes, halfway out advances the timing and speeds the idle up.