Hard to Start?
 

Have a 2004 Mercury 75. Have to crank on it 10 or 15 minutes to get it started almost everytime after it has sit for a day or two. After it does start it will crank with ease rest of the day. Is there anything I can do to make the first start easier?

It sounds like you are not getting gas to the engine.

Things to do:

Pump the gas bulb until it gets hard to squeeze. Then try to pump it 2 more times.

Check to see if the choke is working. This may take 2 people. 1 to watch the choke and someone to turn the key.

If this does not help get the engine started easier, buy a can of starter fluid. Give the engine carburetor a quick squirt and then try starting the engine.

My 40 hp Force engine is a little hard to start if it has not been run in over a week. If I give it a shot of starter fluid, it fires right up and then no more problems starting that day.

Other things: There could be an air leak in the fuel line or squeeze bulb. The fuel pump diapharm could be bad.

Thank You! Was thinking it might be primer bulb but it does pump up and feel right. Will go buy a new one and see if it helps.

How is the compression? Could need new rings.

I would not use starter fluid. It is like crack to a motor. Once it gets it it will not start without it
Push the key in to chock it and make sure the choke is working. Check the diaphragm on the fuel pump on the motor. I have a 90 on a crawfish skiff and it does the same thing. It was a pinhole in the diaphragm.

I would make starting fluid my very last option I would try what everybody said but would not use starting fluid unless it was the only thing left to do

Why..... is there some reason it is bad for the engine?

Please explain!

it is very very dry...I have seen it lock up engines before

Update - Replaced the old fuel line and bulb with a Marpac (Blue one from Mikes Marine) Bulb and line. Let boat set 2 days engine fired right up without even choking it. Could not see a leak in old hose but it had to be sucking air somewhere. When I went to start engine after sitting the bulb was still primed.

Glad you got it fixed.

Problems like that take away some of the fun when going out in the boat.