pull cord sticking

[Roadrunner0428]

I just recently purchased a BRAND NEW Mercury 8 hp outboard motor. It started on the first attempt without any problems but now the pull cord continues to stick. The only way to start it is to manually override the safety. Why is this happening and is there a simple switch/button to push to fix this? Thanks.

 

[galamb]

Sounds like the neutral safety linkage is "sticky" or not quite adjusted correctly.

Choice number 1 -

Take it back to the dealer and get it fixed properly while it's under warranty. Yes, a pain in the butt, but if you wait until the warranty is out and it really breaks, you will have an empty wallet to go along with your posterier pains

Choice number 2 -

Take off the hood and have a look at the starboard side (right side if you are standing behind the motor facing the prop). Shift it between F-N and reverse. You should see the linkage moving. The neutral safety (thingy - technical term) is operated by a cable connected to the main shift linkage and the cable terminates up on the starboard back end of the pull start assembly.

Basically, it's a little finger that stop the assembly from spinning the flywheel unless the motor is in neutral. Anyhow, there is an adjuster screw for the cable. It's located within an inch or so of where the cable connects to the main linkage (looks like the thing on a bike you use to adjust the brake cable length).

Put your shifter in neutral and observe where the little finger is. It should be (free) out of the way of the flywheel. If there is some contact, tighten up (or loosen) the cable to move it away....