Optimax hard to start after sitting

[Aj14]

For the first time I am having a difficult time starting my outboard after I fish for longer than 15 minutes.
The primer bulb goes soft, although I believe this may be normal.
I prime the bulb and after several turns it finally kicks over but not that easy, then runs fine until I let it sit again.
Full maintenance was performed last year.
A Mercury mechanic will look at in about a week or two in Florida as I have limited tools here as this is not my primary home.
Before I send it to a mechanic, should I go ahead and do anything like change the fuel bulb out or even the fuel filter?
Or just him have at it to diagnose it?
Thanks for any input.

2005 Optimax
1B072275
135 HP

[EuropeanAM]

1. Make sure you allow the engine temps to stabilize after coming off plane by idling for at least 45 seconds.

2. Pump bulb firm before EVERY engine start.

3. Make CORRECT fuel choice (High Traffic, Top-Tier Station- 87 Octane, no more than 10% ethanol).

4. If problems persist, try cycling key ON, OFF, ON after you pump the bulb and see if that helps.

[Aj14]

1. Make sure you allow the engine temps to stabilize after coming off plane by idling for at least 45 seconds.

2. Pump bulb firm before EVERY engine start.

3. Make CORRECT fuel choice (High Traffic, Top-Tier Station- 87 Octane, no more than 10% ethanol).

4. If problems persist, try cycling key ON, OFF, ON after you pump the bulb and see if that helps.

Thanks Don.
I have been doing 1-3 allways from reading your posts.
I will try number 4 when I get back on the water in two weeks.
i spoke to my mechanic and he said to try the new bulb before I drop it off although It is basically new

[Aj14]

Trying to get to 200 views without any other ideas other than reliable Don!

[Aj14]

[EuropeanAM]

Please report back after you've tried #4 (and possibly a new, OEM Mercury/Quicksilver Primer Bulb).

[Aj14]

Please report back after you've tried #4 (and possibly a new, OEM Mercury/Quicksilver Primer Bulb).

Thanks again Don.
I just bought a Mercury primer bulb, Mercury fuel filter and just for the heck of it as it seems easy, a rebuild kit for the fuel diaphragm pump.
Is it as easy as it looks to rebuild it and do I have to loosen or remove the vapor container to remove the fuel diaphragm pump?
I just wanted to try all these, put it in the water to run it before I bring it to a mechanic who I am not familiar with.
Any thoughts?
You have done some excellent work on my engine but your too far from me at this time.
Thanks again Don

[EuropeanAM]

Fuel pump is indeed pretty simple. Pay close attention to the gasket/housing/component orientation and arrow alignment for each part/component.

You should NOT need to drill anything, and rather than "breaking" retainers, gently tap them in until flush (just like the originals were).

One note: The Gray B1-15 fuel line might be wise to REPLACE if it's older than a couple years. Use the same line type. If not replacing, trim at least 1" from the end, leaving a clean line end with no disturbing of inner liner. USING PIPING HOT WATER (coffee cup in microwave works), dip the end of the line into the hot water for about 30 seconds. Quickly shake the water from the line and slide it onto the connection (this helps prevent inner liner damage). Finally, apply a RADIUS-HEAD tie-wrap.

[Aj14]

Thanks Don.
I will let you know by the end of the weekend if all this worked.
Thanks again
Oh yeah, I did pick up several of the radius head tie wraps that I remember from reading your posts!

[Aj14]

Don,
I sent you a pm.
Thank you again for your continued help and support on this site.

[Aj14]

Going to hit 500 views and no advice other than Don??
Thanks guys!

[EuropeanAM]

Vince... my understanding was that you're not having problems any longer, correct? Since you switched to a PM response, I'm not sure anyone else would know what to respond to.

We've got some pretty sharp minds here in the forums, but without you defining specific results of the basic items suggested, responses will be pretty limited.

[Aj14]

Vince... my understanding was that you're not having problems any longer, correct? Since you switched to a PM response, I'm not sure anyone else would know what to respond to.

We've got some pretty sharp minds here in the forums, but without you defining specific results of the basic items suggested, responses will be pretty limited.

Yes Don, I have solved the problem on my own.
I had over 450 views prior to my pm to you and not one helpful thought other than yourself.
I guess I was hoping for some of the helpful members who we have on this site and not just lookers.
I give help here whenever I can as I feel we can all benefit if we all do the same.
No big deal though. It is what it is.
Thanks Don