Do you prime ?

[steplift20]

When you first start your Mercury outboard motor ,do you pump the primer bulb or do you just turn the key to start her up?

[phatdaddy]

2014 four stroke 150 merc. Just turn key on, listen for the fuel pump to pressurize, turn key, it starts

1994 150 merc 2 stroke, squeeze ball till firm, turn key on, raise throttle advance half way, push key in 3 times, turn key, it starts, usually

[steplift20]

My buddy has a 2004 merc O.B 150 and he never primes it doesn't even have a bulb so he says I find that hard to believe, I always prime mine but I'm having a issue she is not getting hard, or firm I will hold it horizontally next time but I don't remember ever doing that before ,.

[Duke01]

Great question. I wish I had a good answer. 1980 Mercury 200HP. Runs great, idles good, but rarely starts without starter fluid. I squeeze the bulb until hard. I can see the fuel in the line with a new inline clear Moeller gas filter. New Moeller fuel/water separator, new Attwood bulb. Not sure if I am not providing enough fuel to the engine or flooding it. After I run it and let it sit for a couple of hours (while trolling), it starts (usually).