Trouble starting 1995 Mercury 200 hp EFI

[Ampusa]

I have a 1995 Mercury 200 hp EFI that I am having trouble starting. The motor sat idle for 3 months prior to today when I tried to start it for the first time. The engine turns over but does not want to start. The bulb pumps up full and stays strong. I removed the fuel filter on the engine and it had gas in it. There was never a smell of gas like it was getting flooded. I was not able to take a spark plug out to see what it looked like. The previous owner added stabilizer to the gasoline before it went idle for the 3 months. If anyone has any thoughts on what I can try I would greatly appreciate it. This is first outboard I have ever owned so I'm not sure where to start other than take to the shop. Thanks so much!

Art

[CatFan]

Have you checked the kill switch and that the throttle is in neutral?

[Ampusa]

Throttle is in neutral, but I didnt know about a kill switch. What does that look like and where abouts would it be located?

[SilverFox579]

Kill switch should be on the throttle/shift control box. Commonly a protected toggle switch.

[JOE54]

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ + 1

[CatFan]

I’d emphasize that if you don’t know how to use your kill switch, make sure you learn how and attach the lanyard to yourself before you start it.

[EuropeanAM]

I’d emphasize that if you don’t know how to use your kill switch, make sure you learn how and attach the lanyard to yourself before you start it.

^^^^^ +100!

[Ampusa]

Thanks for the help. It was the kill switch and I watched some videos last night b4 taking the boat out today on how to use the lanyard. Unfortunately the motor over heated within 25 yards of the ramp. Another post for that.

[leonreno]

Probably just needs a new water pump, supposed to be changed yearly, and sitting them long term is worse than using them regularly.

[JOE54]

^^^^^^^^^^^^+1 , intermittent or solid horn tone ????

[Ampusa]

It was solid tone.

[JOE54]

overheat

[Ampusa]

Thanks Joe.