I've got a 1984 9.8 hp Mercury that I use often. It runs great, but it's a bear to get started cold. Usually 10 to 15 hard pulls! Once it's warmed up, it'll start on the first pull.

Is this just what happens to old outboards, or could there be a simple fix? I've heard mercurys are notorious for this.

Any thoughts?

Thanks,

Dan

Can't help you much on the Merc, other than to say no, just because it's 22 years old should no make it any harder to start than when new if everything is like it's suppose to be.   Since I've never worked on the 9.9 I'm not sure if they have to rubber seals around the reed housing like the 25 has or not.  On the 25, these have a tendency to get old and leak, causing them to be hard to start.   The next thing would be to check the carb out real good.  Sounds like you're not getting the fuel to the motor during the initial start and it's taking a bunch of pulls to get it primed.

I agree with Ben. I have a 73 Merc 9.8 that starts in three pulls after it sits a while. The first thing I would recommend is getting a carburetor rebuild kit. These can do wonders. The slightest air intrusion will cause a lean condition and hard starting. Rebuilding the carb is a simple job to do. Just do not do it on the dining room table.

You can go here to order the kit and have it sent to your local dealer. Who may have it in stock already.

http://www.mercurypartsexpress.com/PartsExpress/HomePage/homepage.asp

They also have a diagram that will help you find out where all the little pieces go.

The other thing I notice on my Merc is that the choke cable come out of adjustment once in a while and does not close the choke all the way when it is pulled out. You may want to check that out.

Paul

Ben & TD,

Thanks for the good advice, and the link.

Dan