Mercury 200 HP Compression

[Duke01]

Regarding my starting issue, I have started (without starting fluid) on my last two outings. Pushing in the key three times before turning the key switch, while throttling up a bit with the key in. Now I just need to fine tune the process.

Thanks again...

[spareparts]

Originally Posted by Duke01

Regarding my starting issue, I have started (without starting fluid) on my last two outings. Pushing in the key three times before turning the key switch, while throttling up a bit with the key in. Now I just need to fine tune the process.

Thanks again...

the only time pushing the key does anything is when you are spinning the motor over, or if you just pump ed the primer bulb up good and tight. All pushing the key in does is open a valve that allows fuel to flow in behind the carbs, enriching it. It rely on the fuel pump or residual pressure in the line to push the fuel in. Try holding it in while spinning the motor over

[phatdaddy]

Like Spare said , the ball pressurizes the system and the fuel pump move the fuel. If you haven t change the diaphragms in the pump in a while, might be a good idea to do so.

Pretty cheap and easy to do. I would also use OEM merc parts

[jamesbalog]

Mine always gave me a fit first start of the day and then would run fine the rest of the day with just a bump of the key.

Best way I found of the cold start was make sure the bulb was Hard, advance throttle about 1/3 of the way out of gear and start her up. Might take a few turns of the key but once she fired let her sit that way for a minute or so and then I was good to go.

Another thing I learned if I turned both batteries on she always started quicker.

My compression numbers were 125-130 across all 6 before I lost the 1 cylinder

[Duke01]

Very similar situation for me, tough to start, but never stalls, runs fine, idles fine. I troll with a new Tohatsu 9.8. Good luck on your search for No. 4

[jamesbalog]

Originally Posted by Duke01

Very similar situation for me, tough to start, but never stalls, runs fine, idles fine. I troll with a new Tohatsu 9.8. Good luck on your search for No. 4

How do you like the tohatsu? Im thinking of buying one when they go back on sale.

I’ve got a great running two stroke but a electric start 4 stroke sure would make things easier without the extra gas tank in the boat and the ability to charge batteries while Trolling

[Duke01]

I really like the Tohatsu 9.8 kicker. It is very quiet while trolling at 2 mph. I can steer with the kicker, or use the big Merc as a rudder.

I tested my max speed with the V20 and it is around 5.5 mph +/- for conditions. Max fuel burn is 1 gal/hour. I carry 2 extra 3 gallon tanks in the cuddy. That gives me a good range in case of an emergency, and a little ballast up front.

If you have the extra $, I would opt for the power tilt as well. Mine is 90 lbs with 20" shaft and electric start. Power tilt will add a few lbs.

Research from a couple years back told me that Merc uses Tohatsu for outboards under 40 HP. I am a red, white and blue guy, but no american options these days.

$2,400 two years ago from Dinghy Concepts in Detroit.