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2003 Merc 50 hp 2 stroke hard starting

jampg

New member
Motor is hard to start cold. Doesn't seem to fire up like it used to. Battery is new( AutoCraft M24-3 800 CCA) Bulb is firm, engine will crank for 5-10 seconds and battery will start to give out. Sometimes she will start before the battery dies. Somethings not right. It seems like the battery is not holding a good charge for very long. I do keep the battery on a tender at all times. Boat is stored in the garage.
Once it starts it will fire right up like it should. To me it seems like it could be either the battery, the choke or the carbs or maybe a combination.
I replace the plugs and today the fuel filter. So I haven't tested since the fuel filter...
Do you think it's time for a carb rebuild maybe??
Thanks.
 
Are you pushing key in during cranking ?------Take starter apart for inspection.
Yes I am. Just for a couple of seconds at a time. Once it does start I have to bump it one or two times. Once warmed up she usually fires right up.
Is it possible the starter is drawing to much on the battery? I not very versed in electrical but I could remove the starter and take it in for a check.
Thank you for the help.
 
Key should be held in untill motor fires.----Are you advancing throttle when cranking it over ?
Yes, I am advancing the throttle otherwise it will not start. Even when its warm I have to advance the throttle.
What about pumping the bulb. If its firm is it necessary to still pump it. Can you over pump the bulb. After the new fuel filter it still does not start very well. The cranking slowed down even with the battery at full charge. But it is starting just not like it should.
Thanks.
 
Last edited:
Salt water motor ?----------Inspected all battery cables / connections ?----------I am beginning to suspect your starter.--------They are easy to take apart and inspect yourself.
 
Salt water motor ?----------Inspected all battery cables / connections ?----------I am beginning to suspect your starter.--------They are easy to take apart and inspect yourself.
Fresh water only. Metro Detroit area. I did go through all the wires on the battery and wire wheeled every one. I did not remove any connections at the starter and probably should be done next before inspecting the starter? Are these the connections I should check?
What exactly am I looking for when I inspect the starter.
Thank you.
 

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