Mercury 50 HP 2-stroke warm up question

[LA CrappieMaster]

I recently looked a used boat with a 2010 50 HP 2-stroke Mercury. The engine took a few seconds of turning over to start and had to run a minute or two before it would go into gear. The temperature was around 88 today. Is this normal?

[CatFan]

The engine should go into gear when it's not running at all.

Do you mean it would die when shifting into gear? Did you pump up the bulb before starting it? It really doesn't sound like much of a problem if it ran okay once it warmed up.

[LA CrappieMaster]

Yeah, I meant it would die. Sorry about that, I am just excited about possibly my first boat. I didn't see him pump up the bulb. I was more worried about fishing in the winter, how it would be. Thanks for the reply.

[Drum_Master]

I have the same motor, but a 2001 model. It's mainly used for duck hunting, and have run it with temps in the teens without problems.

[LA CrappieMaster]

Is it slow to warm up? Kind of reminds me of a Honda Atv

[jimp]

I have an 04 merc 60 2 stroke I bought new in 5/04. During the summer or warmer months, I do not have to use the choke on mine, and I don't have to crank it much either. It fires off very quickly IMO and will reach a smooth idle in no time. At 88 degrees, mine would start with no choke, and very little if any warm up before I get a smooth idle. during the colder months, like late fall/early spring, I have to use the choke for 30 seconds or so, not over one minute. I do make sure the bulb is good and tight, on the occassion I have forgotten to hit the bulb, it will act like what you described on the 50. Suggest you go back for a second test drive and make sure the bulb is good and tight. If it acts like it doesn't want to start, it may need some carb work done, you can check the plugs pretty easy while you're there too.

[wilbur]

I have a 75 2 stroke 2003 and it is warm blooded. On a cold day i have to sit there pushing the key in every few seconds to keep it running, this goes on for about 3 min. then its fine.

[jusanothajoe]

Wilber, I had a very cold natured motor before and had a hard time keepin it running til it warmed up. then my mechanic
showed me how to crank it. turn the key to ON then push it in then crank the motor while you got the key pushed in. keep the key pushed in til the motor almost goes dead then release the key. When I first got the boat I would have to crank it 10-20 times before it would stay running, after he showed me this almost never had to crank more than once. hope this helps

[wilbur]

Thanks Joe I will try that next time. Thanks Wilbur

[Barnacle Bill]

Every motor is different even ones that are the same model. The older Merc's will start easier (the first time of the day) if you turn the key on, push it in and count to 10, then start it. When I say older I'm refering to 1990's and older.