Starting a 2001 Mercruiser 5.0

[viper12161]

Hello,

My last boat was a Maxum 3.0 with the TKS carb. So was pretty easy to start right up. Now have a 5.0 that doesn't have that type of carb. It starts, but seems like I gotta pump the gas a few times to get her going. Once running, it runs like a champ. Just curious if there is a specific starting procedure or something. Like pump 3 times then start etc. Thanks!

[mmwjr]

If the boat sits for a week the procedure I do is crank twice for 5 seconds each time. Then pump the throttle twice and crank to start.

I found that the fuel in the carburetor bowl can evaporate so the first two cranks are to refill it.

If it only sits for 2-3 days then pump the throttle twice and crank to start.

[jparsons121]

Similar procedure for me, i turn the key to Run and wait a few seconds, then crank.
My fuel pumps run for a few seconds when key is turned on. 2-3 pumps of the throttle to squirt fuel and they fire right up.

This is only needed when I’ve sat for a while. Like Mike mentioned, it’s the fuel evaporating from the carb after sitting that needs to be replaced before the engine fires off.

[shrew]

I used to do basically the same with my carb'd 454. Turned the key to Aux, pumped the throttle in Neutral twice, then slightly advance the throttle while in neutral and hit the starter. As soon as it fired up, pull the throttle back to idle.