I have a 1996 Merc 15 hp 2-cyl outboard that is virtually impossible to start. Once started it runs fine up to full RPM without problem, but I usually have to do some combination of priming, popping the cover and holding the throttle open manually for a few pulls, burning incense for Buddha, etc to get it going. Once warm it is only barely better; shut it down and it's back to hard-to-start.
I've had this motor since 2001 and it intermittently has become this way. Most of the operation has been in the Caribbean so fuel is always suspect, however the fuel filter has never been clogged. Each time it got this bad previously I would take the carb off, clean it up, poke wires through jets, etc, all without any formal training or having any idea what I was doing, and it would usually be much better for a while. However I was doing it every 20 hours of operation or so which is nuts.
The only thing that is an obvious question mark for me right now is that when pressing the prime pump button, fuel squirts out a weep hole on the side of the primer pump.
Since the description points to a fuel problem I need to do the carb disassembly again, but this time I'm in the states so I thought I'd ask the more knowledgeable types out there for some hints so I can actually focus my efforts on something that might solve the problem when I do.
The only useful tidbit I got from searching this forum first was to adjust the idle mixture. I did that by tightening it down all the way and then opening 1/2 turn like I would a chain saw. Is that the right procedure?
I saw another post about checking the carb float adjustment but I don't really see any kind of adjustment that can be made.
I've done the obvious: new plugs, check for sparks (ok), fresh gas and oil, new fuel lines right back to the tank, cleaned all debris from tank.
So can anyone give me a quick Carb 101 course? I've only got parts list and owner's manual, no service manual, but I can order that if it would provide the carb info I need.
I did just order a carb rebuild kit, primer pump rebuild kit, and float.
Thanks ahead of time...
Charlie
Mercury 15 hp 2-stroke Outboard hard to start
Linear Mode
