Using Ether/Starting Fluid to Start Motor

**Gansett** · 11-23-2011, 08:23 PM

A friend of mine and I have the same motor, 2008, 50HP Merc, Electric Start, 2-stroke. Both motors are difficult to start; however, once motor is wamed up, they start right away. He ran a 5/8" rubber hose, through one of the plugged holes at the top of the engine housing to the air intake. Now when he pumps the gas hose up he squirts a shot of ether (or a starter spary of some sort) into the hose and the engine starts on the first turn of the key. I am very reluctant to do this; but, on the other hand it sure would be nice to have motor start right up. I've tried everything else.

Is what he is doing harmful to the engine?

**Barnacle Bill** · 11-23-2011, 09:27 PM

Yes, there is no lube in starting fluid and 2 cycle motors won't last very long without lube in the fuel. If you must do something like that use some pre-mixed fuel in a spray bottle. Mercs use an enrichner for a choke. Check it and make sure it is working properly.

**Dutch552** · 11-23-2011, 10:16 PM

You're begging for a bad outcome with regular use of ether in a newer 2-stroke. Check the primer/choke on the outboard for proper functioning and if you haven't had your carbs rebuilt in a while, I would do it now. A whole lot of poor starting issues are rooted in the carb in some fashion, especially when you are describing a motor that is difficult to start/maintain idle when cold but runs fine once warm. So, yes, you could do some real and expensive damage to your outboard with regular use of starting fluid!

**caveman** · 11-23-2011, 10:31 PM

Try pushing in the key and count to 10 then start. No one told me that my motor had no choke. Just a thought.

**Barnacle Bill** · 11-23-2011, 10:49 PM

Originally Posted by caveman

Try pushing in the key and count to 10 then start. No one told me that my motor had no choke. Just a thought.

Yes, this often makes them a lot easier to start. Once it starts keep bumping the key in until it runs smoothly.

**crappiedoc** · 11-24-2011, 07:18 AM

I have some friends and myself included, when you get ready to start and your priming your bulb, prime that sucker extra. You can hear gas through the cowling if you listen. My friends 200 Merc would crank and sputter for ever. I told him this trick and he thought I was crazy. After about 4 times of waiting at the ramp, the 5th trip I just went ahead and did it myself. That baby fired on the 2nd rpm, wherr-fire. He couldn't believe it, I told him it's a 2 stroke and they're almost impossible to flood and even if you do, you ain't gonna hurt nothing. So in short, pump that bulb and then pump it some more

**kycreek** · 11-24-2011, 08:33 AM

I've did it before on my old boat (Merc 60HP), once or twice. But I sure wouldn't want to make a habit out of it. Scared Me.

**Gansett** · 11-24-2011, 09:16 AM

Super replies. Looks like I just avoided a lot of trouble in the future. I've tried some of the suggestions and will try the others as well. Can't thank all of you enough for the advice.

**crappiewisdom** · 11-25-2011, 04:08 PM

Originally Posted by crappiedoc

I have some friends and myself included, when you get ready to start and your priming your bulb, prime that sucker extra. You can hear gas through the cowling if you listen. My friends 200 Merc would crank and sputter for ever. I told him this trick and he thought I was crazy. After about 4 times of waiting at the ramp, the 5th trip I just went ahead and did it myself. That baby fired on the 2nd rpm, wherr-fire. He couldn't believe it, I told him it's a 2 stroke and they're almost impossible to flood and even if you do, you ain't gonna hurt nothing. So in short, pump that bulb and then pump it some more

This is what I do with mine and it works.

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