hard starting 90merc

[eye guy]

I run a 95 90hp merc tiller, After it sits for a few days, it seems hard starting. I have to turn it over quite awhile to get it to pop off, And then it seems to flood religiously at that point. After it runs and warms up a bit it runs beautifully, but its that starting at the ramp thats tough. The bulb is full of gas. Haven't checked the plugs just thought someone here would have an idea. I upgraded from a 50 mariner (tiller) and that had a choke on it so it started flawlessly anytime.

Have at it fellas.... thanks

eyeguy

[Fenwick]

Anyone who has owned a 90 Merc. well tell you they are a hard starter. Even Merc. reps say they start hard and run rough at idle. You have to learn your motors start rotine. Pump bulb,up idle speed three quater throttle, push key choke, stop, don't choke. Once you learn your motor; they (90s) are a good motor. They are just very tempermental. Oh ya, change plugs often.

Fenwick

[FJH1]

Also, very important, these engines start better when they are vertical or tucked in relation to the water. If it is trimmed up it is a BEAR to start. Give this a shot, it should help.

Best Regards,

FJH

[Paul H]

Level is the rule.....

Got a 75 - same way. The valve dripping into the carbs works only when level. I have propbles if it's dark or not sure how level I am...

[MarkG]

They must have changed something since 1988? My 88 Merc 90 was the easiest cold starting motor I ever owned. 1 turn of the key,hot or cold weather ,,whether sittin a day or a month. Level or tilted,always the same! For a cold start..I set it at about a third to a half cold idle on the throttle lever (console control lever). Made sure fully primed, held the electric choke button in while I turned the key. Usually fired within 3-5 seconds. As soon as fired let out the choke button. Motor idle would want to die at first but a touch of the choke button every few seconds would keep it alive. Would only have to do that a few times until ran on its own.Would then back off the idle lever after acouple of minutes. Starting when the motor was warm,was just a turn of the key and usually fired instantly,unless sitting for about an hour,then just a push of the choke button while turning the key. In the 9 years I owned it,never noticed it was sensitive to tilting,except after having tilted it up all the way. Then just needed a reprime.This was a 3cylinder 3carb 1100cc
2 stroke.

[Tom P]

My 1994 90 Merc. started great in cold weather. Never a problem. She would always pop after 3-5 sec. . I had to hit the key choke on and off for about a min. after starting it in 45 degs and lower temps though.After that she would run fine ( I did richen idle mixture a hair to the rich side)

[ifish4eyes]

LAST EDITED ON Aug-28-01 AT 03:05AM (CST)[p]I have a 2000 90 merc. It also runs rough at trolling speedbut that was the fought of my dealer. It ran pretty good till they worked on a sticking vavle in the top carb. I think it could run better if I find the right shop to tune it. Cold starts are tempermental and she likes to be stroked like a kitty cat.