Hand-Start 60 HP?

[Thornback]

I have a 2005 Merc 60 HP 4-stroke EFI and there is a hand-starter rope under the cowling. I have never used it and was wondering if anyone has any experience hand-starting a motor of this size?

[mikechell]

Being an instructor of similar engines ... I've had to demonstrate that it can be done. I once rope started a 6 cylinder 2 stroke, just to show it could be done. But I must admit, the method I use is for emergencies, not something you do just to do it.

If it's a 4 cylinder engine, and the compression is too high for starting it, pull the number 2 and 3 spark plugs. Cylinders 1 and 4 run like a 2 cylinder, with each cylinder firing on opposite strokes. Now you can pull start the "2 cylinder" engine. Once it's running, replace the two plugs. Plug in the coils after all assembly is done.
It's not "Easy", but it'll get it running to get you home.
A 3 cylinder engine might not require pulling any plugs, just a firm hand on the rope handle. If you do take a plug out ... it won't matter which one, so get to the easiest to replace.

[Thornback]

Thanks for the valuable info. It's nice to know it's possible in an emergency and I would never have thought about removing #2 and #3 plugs to make the task somewhat easier.

[lilmule]

I have rope started a 45 hp Chrysler and a 90 merc power of tower, rude 140 4 banger,quite a workout,but possible.
I think its easier with the older motors being carbed spray some starter fluid in carb if available.I used to carry a can just for that like as in case of.

[mikechell]

You can spray starter fluid in an injected engine too.

[Thornback]

My Merc starts very quickly on the battery so I have always thought if I could rotate it with a rope past one or maybe two compression strokes it would fire up. But I wasn't sure how hard it would be to turn over with a rope and muscle. I hope I never have to put my rope and muscle to the test. At age 75 and standing in a rocking boat I'm not sure I could rope start the motor. But I could pull really hard before I would grab a paddle

[lilmule]

It helps a lot if the motor is wanting to start and is firing sort of an assist,the 45 chrysler was harder as ran it out of gas then ran battery down took like 45 min,the others couple of pulls.
PS Merry Xmas

[Captmikestarrett]

No but I always dock on a hill so I can drift start if needed..

Capt Mike

[woody]

Originally Posted by Captmikestarrett

No but I always dock on a hill so I can drift start if needed..

Capt Mike

[Thornback]

Originally Posted by Captmikestarrett

No but I always dock on a hill so I can drift start if needed..

Capt Mike

Just point the boat south, that is down hill on all maps

[nofearengineer]

My Optimax doesn't even have a pulley for hand starting. Hercules himself could not hand start a DI motor.