Mariner outboard starting problems

[ianmkent]

I keep getting problems starting my Mariner 4 hp four stroke outboard when using the internal tank. I was hoping to do a service today ideally with the oil warm. But, it just will not start. I have had this problem before and the only thing that solved it was to connect and run it with the external tank and then restart it with the internal one.

I also find the swival lock at the back it not that good either. Its nearlly a year old so not what I would expect.

Does anyone have any ideas on getting her running. The other tank is a 98mile drive away.

 

[VicS]

I keep getting problems starting my Mariner 4 hp four stroke outboard when using the internal tank. I was hoping to do a service today ideally with the oil warm. But, it just will not start. I have had this problem before and the only thing that solved it was to connect and run it with the external tank and then restart it with the internal one.

I also find the swival lock at the back it not that good either. Its nearlly a year old so not what I would expect.

Does anyone have any ideas on getting her running. The other tank is a 98mile drive away.

Based on what you say about your previous experience check the tank vent, check the operation of the fuel cock and finally check that you have a good fuel flow to the fuel pump.

Operating from the remote tank you have the advantage of the fuel line bulb priming the system and filling the carb bowl but when using the internal tank you are relying on gravity and the fuel pump.

If there is not a particularly good flow by gravity then its going to take a few yanks on the rope for the fuel pump to fill the carb bowl .

Try leaving the tank vent closed, opening the fuel tap and leaving it in the sun for a while with the cover off. The warmth might pressurise the tank and force fuel through to fill the carb bowl.

 

[VicS]

I also find the swival lock at the back it not that good either. Its nearlly a year old so not what I would expect.

Often not very good , especially if you keep the swivel well greased.

If it is totally defunct you may have broken the friction band.

Not a major job to remove the back half of the swivel bearing housing and take a look at whats going on inside

 

[ianmkent]

I left it in the sun and waited for abit and it started its a shame it does not have a primer for it. The oil is now nice and hot and draining out. The swivel locks it just not very well. I am keeping it a good service just incase I get any inboard problems again.

 

[steve66]

Is your fuel filling station fresh?

 

[ianmkent]

I got it yesterday from the Esso, pretty sure its just taking a bit of time to reach the carbureter. As it only happends when I first fill up.

 

[crewman]

My, fairly old, Mariner 4 likes a full tank to start from cold. On a part full tank it will start when warm easily but just will not from cold. Fill the tank and it will start.

 

[ianmkent]

My, fairly old, Mariner 4 likes a full tank to start from cold. On a part full tank it will start when warm easily but just will not from cold. Fill the tank and it will start.

Crewman

That makes a lot of sence as I am only puting a little bit of fuel in it at a time.

 

[VicS]

Crewman

That makes a lot of sence as I am only puting a little bit of fuel in it at a time.

I agree with Crewman then. Put more fuel in the tank.

You can always run on the integral tank to use it up before connecting the remote tank if you don't want to be left with a half tank of fuel deteriorating.

 

[Billows]

I have found similar behavior with a new 6hp Mariner
It takes maybe 7 pulls to start from cold using the internal tank. It helps to open the fuel filler cap.
Strangely with the external tank and the bulb pumped hard it starts first pull when cold but takes a lot more pulls when warm.
I think it is a 'feature' of these engines as I saw a review of small four strokes in PBO that mentions just such behaviour with the Mariner, requiring more elbow grease to start it compared to the competitors