Is it Knackered ?

Syd · 28 March 2005, 15:58

Got a Mercury 50 on my rib. The previous owner assured me it was completely rebuilt last year. The first couple of times I used it it started fine. Now it refuses to start from cold at all. Someone suggested a squirt of the dreaded easy start, so with only the tiniest of squirts I tried it and it went first time. We stopped at anchor for hours on end and it started fine all day. Next day, same thing won't start from cold without a tiny squirt. Had new plugs as well.

Any suggestions please?

Cheers

Syd

jwalker · 28 March 2005, 19:05

Is the choke working properly?

Rob Whitham · 28 March 2005, 20:11

If the chokes are sticky - Try putting a squirt of WD40 on the chokes - pop the air filter off and put a little on the ends of the metal flaps in the entrance of the carbs and the same on the outside of the carb, then work it in by moving the linkage back and forth until it is free.
Also check if you have a choke activation on the key that is worked by pressing the key upwards or inwards - about 3mm of movement - my Mariner controls do it this way.
Hope my basic mechanics help
Rob

Syd · 29 March 2005, 17:57

Just had a look at the chokes, they re opening and closing ok. Theres no air filters though, don't seem to be enough room in the engine casing for them.

syd

Daniel · 29 March 2005, 18:21

What year is the engine - if it's new(ish) it will say on a plate on the saddle.

Matt · 29 March 2005, 19:44

What is your procedure for starting the motor on the first start of the day?

Biggles · 29 March 2005, 23:36

If your binning it then I would'nt mind first shout.

Matt · 30 March 2005, 07:36

The main thing is obviously to solve whatever is causing the starting problem. Until you've done that, instead of easy start, go down to ya local model aeroplane shop and ask for a 'priming bottle'. Fill it up with 50:1 and use a squirt of that instead of the easy start.

Syd · 31 March 2005, 06:47

My starting proceedure is give the bulb a good few pumps till it becomes solid, turn on the chokes, put the throttle a quarter on an start pulling. I've tried no choke, full throttle, no choke, full choke full throttle, the engine is old, circa 1980. It accellerates like it was new but seems to hit a brick wall at twenty knots, no matter how far I push the throttle, just remembered that last bit.

Biggles · 31 March 2005, 10:37

Syd,

Check your Inbox I have PM'd you some info.