anybody tried pull starting a big outboard?

adobe wall · 06-10-2007, 04:32 AM

I've got a 2002 model boat and Merc 90/65 (jet) with a 98 model kicker. The kicker isn't electric start.

Some observations from yesterday, when I had a dead battery:

If the kicker were electric start, I could have easily pull started it and used it to charge the main battery. Since it isn't, I figured I'd try the manual start method on the big outboard using the pull cord that is stowed underneat the top cowling. Pretty nifty that Merc even puts a laminated plastic set of instructions with the pull cord.

The engine doesn't have a choke, it has an "enrichment valve" (priming solenoid). It's a simple thing to hold the button down on the top of the solenoid for a few seconds to manually prime the engine, and safer than squirting gas into the carb. If you don't know where the prime solenoid is on the engine, or don't know how to manually work the choke, you will probably not start the engine with the pull rope.

The flywheel cover was easy to remove, it's attached with plastic wing nuts. No tools needed.

Iginition switch in the "on" position.

Wrap the cord per the directions. The notches in the flywheel were cut in such a way that you can't wrap it backwards.

Ensure that no one is behind you, and it's best if everyone in the boat covers their face. The rope will really be moving when you yank it.

One good pull as fast as you can pull the cord (put everything into that pull) was enough, the engine fired right up. I stowed the flywheel cover and wing nuts and very carefully put the top cowling back on the outboard and ran it.

The emergency start procedure really was easy, and it was much simpler to try it and be confident that I could do it in a non-emergency situation. I've run home on the kicker before but there are situations where the big motor really is needed.

regards, aw

Starfish · 06-10-2007, 09:04 AM

Glad it worked out so easily! Back in the old days the times I had to pull start the old Evinrude weren't quite as easy... it was easy to get to the flywheel but it took a lot more than one pull!

I don't think I'd even try with the 225 EFI...

alt · 06-10-2007, 10:03 AM

abobe wall

Glad to see you got it going. Sounds like its time to add perko switch and 2nd battery.

Small Fry · 06-10-2007, 09:48 PM

Been there done that! I have a 200 HP Merc I had to pull start once.
Now I have two batteries and perko switch. At least I know it can be done.

Jedcraft · 06-11-2007, 07:08 AM

Did that one weekend with a 175 hp sportjet. Had starter trouble but couldn't let it ruin the weekend. Wasn't that bad. Just make sure your crew is all clear or they'll catch an elbow on the follow thru!

fishkisser · 06-11-2007, 11:48 AM

Glad to hear it went off without a hitch...

Got any recomendations for pull starting my inboard 350...

Barney

Klamanite · 06-11-2007, 11:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fishkisser

Glad to hear it went off without a hitch...

Got any recomendations for pull starting my inboard 350...

Barney

Yup..........Just put it in 2nd, give it a good shove and dump the clutch

adobe wall · 06-11-2007, 04:02 PM

What is a perko switch? Is that a brand of a battery disconnect switch or something?

Definitely thinking I may go with a second battery.

regards, aw

cohomojo · 06-11-2007, 08:18 PM

Tried it with a 90hp Honda. Didn't work so slick. Darn near threw my shoulder out. Good thing my kicker has the capability to recharge the battery.

fishkisser · 06-11-2007, 08:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Klamanite

Yup..........Just put it in 2nd, give it a good shove and dump the clutch

I'll have to call the boatyard and ask them how to get it into 2nd gear...:grin:

Misguided · 06-11-2007, 09:47 PM

Starfish said
"I don't think I'd even try with the 225 EFI..."

Have you even started that monster since the gas prices soared a couple of years ago???

I can only imagine the arms that could pull start that Pig.

Starfish · 06-12-2007, 05:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Misguided

Starfish said
"I don't think I'd even try with the 225 EFI..."

Have you even started that monster since the gas prices soared a couple of years ago???

I can only imagine the arms that could pull start that Pig.

I hear ya'! I burned a hundred bucks worth of gas a week or two ago and it didn't take all that long! That 115/80 hp of yours is sounding better and better.

alt · 06-12-2007, 07:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by adobe wall

What is a perko switch? Is that a brand of a battery disconnect switch or something?

Definitely thinking I may go with a second battery.

regards, aw

adobe wall Yes just a brand name for battery switch.

adobe wall · 06-12-2007, 04:18 PM

fandadgumtastic, thanks alt I think the mods may delete the nonsponsor link though

I'm thinking the jetdrive may be easier on the arms than an outboard equipped with a lower unit- or maybe not.

Misguided · 06-12-2007, 08:16 PM

Starfish said;
I hear ya'! I burned a hundred bucks worth of gas a week or two ago and it didn't take all that long! That 115/80 hp of yours is sounding better and better.

I'm planning on ditching the console & adding a tiller next week, plus gettin a new linner for the jet. Been suckin alot o rocks latley.

Take care.

FastAction · 06-13-2007, 12:44 PM

On my Old evinrude I used my emergency pull start out in Tilly bay.. I ran my battery very low on the electric motor while crabbing.. I used the rope to get the fly wheel spinning and somebody hit the key at the same time to keep it going then eventually started! I didnt' quite have enough cranking amps to do it with out the help from the rope!

ReadyPro1 · 06-13-2007, 01:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Starfish

Glad it worked out so easily! Back in the old days the times I had to pull start the old Evinrude weren't quite as easy... it was easy to get to the flywheel but it took a lot more than one pull!

I don't think I'd even try with the 225 EFI...

I pulled out the emergency rope in the driveway and hooked up to a hose just to see if it could be done and it started on the second pull! Its a 225hp Mercury to boot.

Starfish · 06-13-2007, 07:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ReadyPro1

I pulled out the emergency rope in the driveway and hooked up to a hose just to see if it could be done and it started on the second pull! Its a 225hp Mercury to boot.

Wow, good to know! Either that or you're built like Schwartzenegger.

Chrome Bumper · 06-15-2007, 12:46 PM

70hp johnson 2stroke all the time. Make damn sure its not in gear with the throttle close to wide open, or it can take off leaving you in the drink, don't ask how I know this.

Backlash2 · 06-17-2007, 09:58 PM

I've done it with my 200 Merc. It was easier than I had imagined over the years of never trying it, but not something I would want to have to do on a regular basis.

Hunt'nFish · 06-19-2007, 11:01 AM

AW, which kicker do you have?
My 8hp honda is not elec, but it still has a charge coil and output connector.

Glad you got it started ok. I've started my 50hp merc ok but I tried to pull start the 140Suz on the new sled and WOW...about pulled my arm out of socket! Broke the rope too. It has a lot more compression than the 50hp. Don't think I'll be doing that again. You guys starting those 200's are better men than me.

Yes, dual batteries and switch are the way to go. Always leave in the OFF position so leakage doesn't drain your batteries.
Hunt'nFish