1993 Mercury 200 XRI

I have a Merc 200XRI that is having a starting issue....this is what I am experiencing. I will launch, motor fires up with no issues, I will run to my fishing spot, maybe 1/4 mile away(runs great). I will then fish for a good hour and then attempt to fire up the motor and it will not start. This has happened the past two weekends. I can’t for the life of me get this thing to start on the water. I will then take it home and it will start. So, to reiterate....starts, drive the boat for maybe 1/4, fish for an hour, will not start. Trolling motor back to the ramp, will not start, take it home, connect water, it will start. Has new plugs, wires, that’s all I’ve done lately(installed post issue). I’m just looking for a little direction(probably should take it to a marine mechanic) but if I could save some money!! Thank, appreciate any insight.

Could be several things. When it does not start, have you pulled a plug or two and checked for spark? If carburetors, are they flooding? Are you sure the lanyard switch is closed when it won't start?Let's get started there.

When is the last time you changed your fuel supply hose and primer bulb?

Thanks for the info. Definitely not the lanyard switch. I will be checking the plugs like you said. Thing is that it will start when I have it at the house......only have the “no start” issue when I’ve launched and run the boat for a little while. It will also start right back up at that point......just will not start after it has sat a while(while fishing). Who knows!!

Forgot to mention it does have a new fuel supply hose and primer bulb. It appears to be functioning properly....firm.

is it turning over after you fish or is there nothing at all.

It is turning over.

check regulators for runny sealant, blackening from overheat, smell them to see if they smell burned.

may be getting hot on ya.

Will do, thanks for the suggestion.

when it "won't start" can you hear tha fuel pump runnin' when ya turn tha key to tha on position.. pump should run a few seconds (15 ta 20 ) then shut down without goin' ta start..

Yes sir, I can hear the fuel pump

had bad oil check valve on my 200xri
$15 part made huge difference - sent you a pm shlunker

Thank you for the info....sent you a few PMs

do you have tha OEM manual for it?.. if not send me an email addy and i'll send ya tha PDF manual......

I do have one...thank you TLW

after you make a long run, do you let the engine idle for a few minutes before you turn it off?

hey Steve, nope....I just normally kill it and fish. I will be replacing this part number 8781051 as soon as it comes in and I will test it all out.

something i read about during my merc classes is to let the engine idle for a few minutes before shutting it down.. helps with the potential for vapor lock.
you said the motor will fire right up after you get home. ??

that p/n is an oil line check valve. i'm anxious to hear how that is going to effect your re starting issue.

My 94 XRI did the same thing
New plugs would always help