Mercury 4ph Brand New won't start reliably

[bephyck]

Just bought a brand new Mercury 4 HP for a canoe. I've had it in the water twice and on both occasions it's been very difficult to start. So much so that I'm uncomfortable taking anyone out for fear of being stuck in the middle of the lake. Over the course of some 50 pulls it's started for me 3 times. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[fastjeff]

I would strongly recommend you take it to a Merc dealer and have him explain the 'starting drill' for you. It's a bit complicated and, if done wrong, either fouls the plug or creates a lean condition.

Those are good starting and running motors if handled correctly.

Jeff