Mercury 4HP Sailpower problems

[waterline]

I bought a new Mercury 4HP, 4 stroke sailpower outboard engine in April of this year, and have experienced a couple of problems with it. It is the longshaft version and is used on my 21' trailer sailer.

The engine usually starts after 4 or 5 "pulls" when cold (with full choke), but can be troublesome to start when warm with no choke applied.
Sometimes when warm starting, I have to "pull" the cord about 8 times, and this is when the engine has only been off for about 15 minutes!
Also when pulling the starter cord particularly in fairly quick sucession (in neutral), the engine makes a noise rather like gears crunching in a gearbox. it does not make the noise everytime I pull the cord, but it is a bit disconcerting!

The engine has also cut out on me twice for no apparent reason and this has been a concern, because one of the occassions was approaching a tricky and very busy mooring. When the engine cut out, it had been running perfectly ok for about 45 minutes at less than half throttle.

The engine has now completed about 5 to 6 hours service at varying speeds, and when new, used to idle quite well in neutral but now seems reluctant to idle without sometimes cutting out. I have to watch the throttle carefully and "blip" if necessary. I have checked the plug which appears to indicate a correct burn colour (i.e. light coffee colour), and the fuel appears to be ok (I only use the built-in integrated fuel tank on the engine).
Has anyone any suggestions as to why the engine would cut out, or being difficult to start especially when warm, and what the strange noise could be when starting sometimes?

Regards and good sailing
Martin

 

[ccscott49]

Just a suggestion, but I would take it back to where I bought it and get them to sort it, it must still be in warranty? Rather than mess with it yourself.

 

[charles_reed]

My guess is a faulty reed valve (assuming it's a 2-stroke).

I'd concur with the other post - get it back to the vendor and claim your rights under the sale-of-goods Act.

 

[Octavia]

I used to own a Mercury 4hp sailpower. I used to get similar starting problems as you are experiencing with the internal fuel tank. Once I switched to an external tank the engine started virtually first pull every time.
In all other respects though the engine performed very well and never cut out.
Hope you get it sorted.
Tony

 

[Joe_Cole]

You definately should take it back to the retailer. They are supposed to check them over and set them up before sale.

I had a Mariner 3.3 which had problems when new. I took it back and it was "fixed", so I took it back again. They asked me if I would be happier if they replaced it with another one. I was, they did, and I've been very happy with the replacement.

Joe Cole

 

[blue_anchor]

before you panic,check rainwater hasnt got in..that little air vent on top of the fuel cap isnt always waterproof,(i presume you open it to vent the tank),only a minute amount of h20 will sink to the bottom of the mix..!