Merc 20hp EFI & Stabil 360 Marine

[Steve509926]

As those who have a Merc 15/20 EFI will know they do not normally start on the 1st, 2nd or even the 3rd pull from cold, what one would call "a bit of a stubborn bas..rd"

I've noticed the last few times out on the water and yesterday when I tested the OB before loading into the truck as we are going away, that it has started 1st or 2nd lazy pull.
I was wondering why, what's the difference? The only thing I have changed is the addition of Stabil 360 Marine to the fuel. I'm not saying it is the reason, but could this make such a vast improvement? or just coincidence.
It would be interesting to see if anyone else has noticed the same improvement.

[chipko]

That’s interesting.

On all our motors we run premium fuel treated with Quicksilver Quickstor throughout the season and the Mariner 20 efi has always taken a concerted effort to start hot or cold.

To be honest I’d put this down to the battery less system needing a good long pull to generate enough juice to fire up the efi system. In contrast Suzuki seem to have nailed it from the off and start with little effort, at least ours did.

[Steve509926]

I think the next lot of fuel I use, I'll skip putting in the Stabil 360 just to see if it reverts back to being stubborn to start from cold. At least it will give a good indication if it is the Stabil causing the improvement.

[jeffstevens763@g]

Do you pull the cord up until it’s on compression before starting Steve if I don’t it makes a difference on my suzi 25

[Steve509926]

Honest answer is I don't really know, I think I must do as there's never any slack in the cord before the OB turns over, but I don't consciously do it.
I'll look out for it when I'm out this coming week.

[Fenlander]

Do you know how the Mercury decompressor works assuming it has one? When you check the valve clearances on the Suzuki 20efi you get to see it. A very simple centrifugal device which I suspected was sticking on mine as sometimes it was an easy start but also could be very snatchy on the wrist.

[chipko]

Built in auto decompression system sets itself when starter rope initially pulled out a few inches, momentarily pause when resistance is felt…..then good to go with that long hard pull (oooer missus) and it’ll start if your lucky.

[Pikey Dave]

That sounds similar to the Suzuki system. Gently pull the starter cord until resistance is felt, let the cord rewind & the engine is cocked ready to start, and then a long decent pull. My 8 stone missus can start the DF20

[Brinormeg]

Originally Posted by Pikey Dave

That sounds similar to the Suzuki system. Gently pull the starter cord until resistance is felt, let the cord rewind & the engine is cocked ready to start, and then a long decent pull. My 8 stone missus can start the DF20

Got to agree with pd......Suzuki definately got it sussed!

My missus just saying same applies to me

[jeffstevens763@g]

Originally Posted by Steve509926

Honest answer is I don't really know, I think I must do as there's never any slack in the cord before the OB turns over, but I don't consciously do it.
I'll look out for it when I'm out this coming week.

My lawn mower is the same if I don’t pull the cord until it’s on compression it’s a bugger to start I think it gets flooded from then on.
Looked on the manual for mine that’s the starting procedure for the suzi up to resistance then cord back in and full pull starts first pull even when it’s been stood a year.

[Steve509926]

An update - it must have been a fluke as the Merc is back to normal. It's definitely a three pull start outboard.

[jeffstevens763@g]

Originally Posted by Steve509926

An update - it must have been a fluke as the Merc is back to normal. It's definitely a three pull start outboard.

That’s mercy’s for you