How to Start a Mercury Boat Engine

A Mercury boat engine is a great machine. Fuel efficient and relatively quiet, they give you hours of enjoyment on the water. Sometimes they can be hard to start, however. If you are having trouble, follow these steps.

Things You'll Need

• Ethanol treatment

Instructions

1. Insert the key into the boat ignition. Turn the key to the right in the "on" position. In some models, you can also press the key into the ignition several times to generate prime for the engine.

2. Squeeze the primer bulbs, which are part of the fuel lines that run from your boat gas tank to the motors. Squeeze them four or five times until the pressure makes them hard and difficult to squeeze. This sends fuel into the carburetors, priming the engine with fuel so it will take the spark.

3. Put the boat gear levers into neutral, or depress the neutral buttons on the side of the console (which takes the boat out of gear) and slide the throttles forward. This is only an option on some larger boats. It will increase the throttle without engaging the transmission.

4. Turn the key in the ignition and hold for about three seconds. The engines should turn over.

Tips & Warnings

• Add ethanol treatment to the engines if you can not get them to start and you have been using store-bought gas. It contains ethanol and it will disrupt your engine's performance. It is sold at marine stores. Follow the directions for use on the container.

Resources

• Mercury Marine
• Mercury Engines