Have an 03 XR6 that is one cold starting motor. Pump bulb several times and push in choke for 8-10 seconds. Wait a minute for gas to migrate then kick it over. Takes 6-7 minutes for it to turn over even in warmer temps. Recently tuned, new plugs etc.

Thoughts anyone. Thanks.

4W

check for voltage to the primer solenoid when you push the key in with the keyswitch turned on if you have voltage primer solenoid may be bad.can youhear it click when you push the key in ??? if no voltage check wiring and possible keyswitch may be bad

No click whatsoever. New boat to me since August. Once it fires and runs it’s good to go the rest of the day. Just getting the sucker started is the issue. Thanks though.

Hold choke in for 20 sec are so

Boatman,

Thanks. From research the one thing I think I am doing wrong is when I choke it, I do not have the key in the on position. I do hold that choke in for 10-12 seconds. Will try both next time out and let the board know.

Thanks again for the comment.

4W

i did tell you that in my post

Yes sir I read that and also on some BBC forums as well before you posted. Thanks again for the info and assist

I have the same motor Y2001. Same issue and results, except I do have the key on when choking. Recently, I've been lowering the motor while readying the boat, pump the gas and then raise the motor when bulb is full. I still choke once I trailer off the ramp. Sometimes this helps but I feel it really depends on how I position my mouth. Yep, once it starts, it good for the day, or next day, but after sitting a few days, it is the same routine. I was told by a marine shop this is typical of XR6s and that it is best to trim the motor as far down as it can go when starting. Depending on the ramp/water level, this is not always an option.

UJC,

That is also what I read over on the BBC forum is to lower or at least level the motor when priming. Agree with all that you said here and read it is one of the most reliable Merc's ever built just a cold starting $#%^$ !!

4W

all tha merc V6 carb motors have little quirks with cold start.. takes a lotta fuel ta start cold.. try this. trim motor down (in) with bulb pumped up.. push and hold key in with start at same time till it either starts, farts, or makes any kinda "I wanna start" sound.. if it doesn't start trim ta level and hit start without tha key pushed....ya might hafta "bump" push key a tad but it should start...… ya jus gotta play with all combinations ta find out what it wants.....

Took the boat out yesterday and the thread really helped. Still a little temperamental but lowering to level before I pumped definitely helped as well as turning the key on as I choked. Thanks to you all it started much quicker.

yep, my Black Max was this way. Drop motor all the way, pump primer bulb till hard, open throttle up and push the key in It use to drive my ex nuts because when she was with me she handled the boat. No way was she going to drive the truck with a trailer behind it. Sometimes it would not start for her and I would have to jump in the boat and start it. I think most of the time she forgot to push the key in.

I had an 94 XR6 that was the most cold natured SOB I have ever owned. Like said I found it started best if trimmed as far down as possible and choked the carp out of it.

The motor has to be level when choking because it's a gravity fed system. The choke feeds the top carb and then it trickles down to the other two. Level motor, turn on key, push choke for 10 seconds or so then try to start. repeat as necessary until she fires off and then your good for the whole day. At least that's how my motor is and I fish in the cold winter. You should be able to hear the choke clicking when the cowling is off so you can test it at home and make sure it's working..

Robert

No question about it needing to be level. Until I did this the bulb would never firm up when I primed. Leveled my last time out and sure enough it did. Again this thread was very helpful. Thanks again.

4W