Starting trouble with Mercury 15hp 2-stroke

[Clyde]

Looking for any help I can get before I have to take it in for servicing. It takes anywhere from 15 to 20 minutes for the engine to catch, start and run. Once running, it runs & idles great...no stalling or sputtering. I have an electric start and also try the pull start with the same results. Pump the choke plunger 3 or 4 times...still no good.:confused:

Thanks in advance for the help.

[Prowler44]

How old are the plugs?

[Bloom]

You might try (if you haven't already) squeezing the fuel line bulb several times until it offers a noticeable resistance. If could be that the fuel is running back into the tank after sitting for any time. Once it's warmed up, does it start and run normally?

[baguba]

I agree with Bloom. I have an older Merc 9 that I inherited - and I had the same problem. Until I had the chance to take an "experienced" boater out fishing - he noticed my challenge with the 1st start up in the morning and he enlightened me to the "old" days and the way they would start their 2 strokes, pump the bulb till full than give it another firm squeeze. Mine now starts 1-2 pull every time

[fishkisser]

Sounds like the voice of experience to me with all the above posts ...

[Clyde]

Very nice...it's 6 AM and I'll put it to the test in about an hour. Thanks.

[Clyde]

Definitely helped but still hard to start...I'll check the plugs next...

[fishkisser]

Sometimes new plugs and wires installed with a little dielectric grease to assure good contact helps a lot for a nice hot spark to get her going ...:twocents: