How to Correctly Start a Mercury/Tohatsu 4 Stroke Outboard (4/5/6HP)

[@craig5222]

Straightforward and simple. No BS, no long winded pontificating 😂. Seriously tho man, great job and thanks

[@Skinnyriver]

lol thanks!

[@craig5222]

@@Skinnyriver seriously man, helps more than you might know. Cheers

[@tp-mh2ji]

Cool... Never hurts to go over the outboard motor starting sequence for us old guys... 🎣

[@Skinnyriver]

Yeah basic stuff. I appreciate the view hope to have more vids coming out. Thanks again for sticking around!!!

[@rootwad]

Thanks for this series, i'm still sudying the manual but it's been nice to have your videos for that virtual "shoulder to shoulder" learning. What really got me to comment was you closing the video with a reminder to leave no trace

[@Skinnyriver]

Thanks for the views! Appreciate the comment

[@SailingWindGypsy]

Great video. Thank you so much. Right to the meat with no preliminary BS for 15 minutes!😂

[@DanDaMan-v5m]

great no bs video, great to make a checklist of what to do

[@Skinnyriver]

Thanks for the view!!

[@MartaWalker-rs3yk]

Just want to add tip here after viewing other video on hard start. I too found that by connecting and "priming" fuel system prior to leaving home I can use internal fuel system with fast easy cold start at ramp . I was ready to let somebody else have a new motor! I love my 6 merc !

[@mattwaters6987]

Good refresher. Same as my 9.9hp. Thanks.

[@315reelffishing7]

Great vid i have same motor but only 2.5 on my 12 foot jon boat love it but im still a newbie with my motor just got the break in done

[@Skinnyriver]

Awesome let me know how it goes!

[@DeanMcDonagh]

Awesome content, thanks!

[@Skinnyriver]

Thank you! I appreciate the support!

[@dustinj7650]

Thanks for the video I literally just got my first external tank today. The internal tank is great but its a little scary adding gas to it out on the open water. You should include a link to your other video (starting a flooded engine - also super helpful for us newbies). A tip I saw in the 2023 Tohatsu manual - if using the external fuel tank, be sure the internal fuel tank relief valve is also open, something to do with preventing a dangerous build-up of fumes in the internal tank. My new 6hp tohatsu won't hold idle after the 1st start (always cuts out), but it holds after the 2nd start. I think I am going to try rev'ing the engine a bit before cutting the choke.

[@Skinnyriver]

Awesome thanks for the comment and view. Congrats on the new Tohatsu!! I’ll have to look into that build up of fumes, that’s interesting! Yeah I tend to rev it a little with choke out then kill it. It’s a good idea!

[@rodneysweetnam8653]

​@@Skinnyriver - Big Rodders in Ireland here. I suspect the issue is to prevent pressure build up resulting in a flooded carb. This happened me many years ago with a Yamaha 4hp 2 Stroke with external tank. It was a very hot day, I forgot to open the vent on the tank and the waves agitated the gas resulting in a build up of gas pressure with the engine starting to hunt due to over rich mixture. Fortunately I quickly realised what the issue was and the engine then ran smoothly.

[@Skinnyriver]

@@rodneysweetnam8653 yeah good points, new external tanks here in the USA no longer vent directly to the atmosphere until it reaches a certain psi due to environmental regulations. So I get more flooding with my external tank due to the pressure build up (unless I crack the cap a bit). There is a fuel demand valve you can buy to isolate the built up pressure. Going to try one this season.

[@doogster2010]

Thanks very much! practical and very useful!

[@Skinnyriver]

Appreciate the view, thank you!

[@adeleorioli4308]

Thanks from Roma Ostia Italy

[@Skinnyriver]

Awesome thanks!!

[@mattc677]

I start a mercury outboard by removing the cowling, unscrewing the mounting clamps, and tossing it overboard. Then I take the mercury cover and I put it on an outboard that actually has a reputation for running well...like a Honda or a Yamaha...and then I start it. Works every time!

[@Skinnyriver]

lol sounds like you have been stranded a time or two by a Merc.. lol

[@Idreamoutdoors]

These motors although they have mercury on them aren’t really mercury…they are tahatsu which is basically Nissan. Only after a certain horsepower does mercury actually make their outboards rather than rebrand.

[@Skinnyriver]

Yeah good point, every Merc 25 and under is made in the Tohatsu Japan factory. Same exact motor as Tohatsu. In some factory videos you see Mercury and Tohatsu cowling beside each other on the production line

[@Julie-u6r]

lot of carb 4 strokes have accelerator pumps you have to pump the throttle a couple times and they fire very quick choke if equipped

[@jorgehidalgo1422]

Great videos! Could you please tell me how much time you wait with the choke out before push in it back when cold starting? I usually need to wait 20 secs aprox or it shut off. Thank you!!

[@Skinnyriver]

I’m usually able to kill mine 5 secs after cold start. 20s is not crazy but you may want to run some sea foam or clean the carb at some point

[@ashleydang3650]

Thank you Sir.

[@Skinnyriver]

Thanks for the view!!

[@oneida80100]

Good info.

[@Skinnyriver]

Thanks again!! Do you have a small outboard setup?

[@music-jj2pl]

I thought cursing was part of the cold startup procedure. I'll try your tips without the cursing next time. Thanks.

[@Skinnyriver]

🤣I always edit that part out

[@dobrodaddy-o]

hi can you tell me where the telltale is, i bought a fixer upper and i'm not seeing a telltale hole. Mine is a 2001 mercury 6 HP Thanks

[@Skinnyriver]

There is a hole on The underside of the motor, usually on the left back side

[@clydedenby1436]

I have one of these and the first year was great. Year three finds me having to use the choke as an idle control. Just dirty?

[@Skinnyriver]

Yeah that’s probably all it is. Look up B12 Chemtool, it’s a good cleaner you put in gas (or try seafoam) but I would just take the carb off and spray the jets

[@clydedenby1436]

@@Skinnyriver I appreciate it. I'm just going to upgrade the carburetor and prop.

[@MarkcureCure]

Great video

[@jplee3]

Thanks for this! A few questions: 1) When cold starting, I've heard you should let the motor run, choke-out, for around a minute or so to get the engine warm? Is this maybe the case for the older units? 2) On my older Tohatsu, I don't think I have start or restart positions (just the rabbit/turtle icons and a notched mark between) - do I just leave in the notched/middle position when cold-starting or warm-starting? 3) When connecting the external tank, are you still supposed to leave the onboard fuel tank vented? Or do you close the vent of the onboard and open the vent of the external?

[@Skinnyriver]

Thanks for the questions! I’ll do my best 1) if the motor dies when you press in choke then you need to let it run with choke on until warm. If motor doesn’t die when you press in choke then it’s best to go ahead and press in and let motor warm up without choke 2) most chokes advance the throttle for you. But it depends. I would start on turtle with choke on. If that doesn’t work, then advance the throttle up until you get good starting performance, then mark that position with a pen. Note you can flood your motor if choke is on and throttle is too high 3)when using an external tank, close off internal tanks valve and close vent. That part of the fuel system (internal fuel tank) should be completely closed off. You should only pull gas from external tank

[@tinytim9453]

I was given a fairly new Mercury 20 hp 4 stroke. Runs beautiful, but I can't get the proppeller to spin forward or reverse. It is my first ever outboard engine. I know nothing about it and no one to show me how to use it. I have it on a stand with a garden hose connected to it. Does the lanyard have to be connected for the propeller blade to spin?

[@Skinnyriver]

Sorry I just saw this message. Did you figure it out? Prop should spin when you start it and put it in forward or reverse. You shouldn’t have to do anything as long as it’s running.

[@tinytim9453]

@@Skinnyriver Yes, I figured it out. The throttle handle (tiller handle), if that is the right word needs to be pulled out to put it into gear. Does your Mercury have that?

[@Skinnyriver]

No mine doesn’t have that. Glad you figured it out

[@2fast4ualso]

How add little bit gas for idling, that motor won't stop? Is there little screw in gas wire or something? I don't want to make any changes to carborator, because it is working perfectly otherwise. Thank you for great videos!

[@Skinnyriver]

Hey! Thank for the view. What do you mean add gas for idling the motor won’t stop? If your carb bowl is not full you can squeeze the priming bulb to push more gas in the carb. There is no way to increase the gas flow from the carb to the motor unless you change the carb air/gas setting by turning the mixture screw

[@2fast4ualso]

@@Skinnyriver Sorry, I Haven bad english skills and no knowledge of motors 🙈 I just want add little bit rpm to idling. Just like I would add little bit speed from hand throttle. Hope you can get what I mean 😊

[@Skinnyriver]

@2fast4ualso I understand.. there is a screw on the carb called the fuel air mixture adjustment screw. If you turn that, it controls the amount of fuel the carb sends the motor. This is used to increase or decrease idle RPMs. But if motor is running well, be careful adjusting

[@2fast4ualso]

@@Skinnyriver Thanks. I don't want to do any changes for carb. I maybe try to find way to adjust hand throttle a little bit or shorter somehow gaswire, If there is one.

[@Skinnyriver]

@2fast4ualso oh I see what you mean. Yes you can shorten throttle cable that way you always have a little gas. That is a good idea

[@quicktwo393]

Hi. Can you please tell me what is the purpose of the small round twist button next to the throttle?

[@Skinnyriver]

In increases how hard or easy it is to turn the throttle

[@quicktwo393]

@@Skinnyriver thank you

[@Danube_Man]

I have a new Tohatsu 5 hp that's just been broken in. Starting it initially is fine, as are restarts after a break of 30 mins or less. But after a gap of 1-2 hours it can be more difficult. I suspect I'm giving too much choke and flooding the engine. Any tips for resolving this - i.e. how do you unflood an engine when you're out in your boat?

[@Skinnyriver]

Are you using the internal tank or the external tank? If you are using the internal tank check out this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/qnWVlpiIbMenjtUsi=w7XhM34IksCuLaH3 There is a known issue with the system losing prime after a break in running.

[@Danube_Man]

@@Skinnyriver Thanks. My model is one with just the external tank. At the moment, the only thing that seems to work is pushing the choke back in and leaving it for about 5 mins, them pulling the choke out again pulling the starting cord again. Does this unflood the engine?

[@Skinnyriver]

@simonparker9322 pulling the choke out and back I’m doesn’t really do much if the motor is just sitting. Do you squeeze the priming bulb before trying to restart it? Is the bulb still firm? Also sometimes on a hot day the external tank can build up pressure and flood the motor. Check to see if pressure has built up in the tank next time (hear a hiss when you Barry open the cap or the tank feels hard and bulging). I think it’s probably just losing prime, try repumping the bulb

[@Danube_Man]

@@Skinnyriver Got it! As you said in your video, just leaving it 10 minutes helped the re-starting, rather than anything to do with the choke. This morning I managed to flood the engine while trying to start it - and I tried your method of starting it on full throttle and no choke. Started third pull! Thank you so much! I just wish your tips were in the owner's manual.....

[@michielderuyter6011]

In your external tank also has to have an open ventvalve 👍

[@Skinnyriver]

Good pt thanks

[@dustinj7650]

do you leave your external fuel line attached to your external tank when in storage? Any reason to keep attached or to remove it?

[@Skinnyriver]

I mainly use the internal tank and a good gallon emergency tank to save weight and space but when I do use the external tank, I sometimes leave it hooked up. Only issue is if it’s full and hot outside it could build up pressure and push gas through the line and flood the carb

[@idforpublic879]

my 5hp motor engine stopped during cruzing. And couldn't start up again. Any advice for fix or cause?

[@Serrano46571]

no gas, old gas, clogged fuel jet, dirty spark plug

[@joelorozco5932]

What do you do after your done how do you unplug the external tank do you just turn the motor off and disconnect it

[@Skinnyriver]

Yeah, there is a lever on the hose fitting that plugs into the motor. Press that lever and disconnect the hose. that’s it!

[@joelorozco5932]

@@Skinnyriver thank you for all the videos

[@jasonduncan6398]

I love my new 5 hp but have only had it out twice and it's not pumping water I have to take it Thursday to have it fixed

[@Skinnyriver]

That sucks sorry to hear that. Hopefully you just sucked up some trash. It should be a quick fix. Good thing you noticed it!!!

[@jasonduncan6398]

@Skinnyriver yeah I hope that's it and I can have it back by Saturday. I was impressed it pushes my little 12' v hull 13 to 14 mph just depends on if the wid is at your back lol. Buy your videos helped me chose the mercury. I had a priming problem the first weekend and then last weekend got a hose for my external tank and all was good till I saw it wasn't peeing .

[@Skinnyriver]

@jasonduncan6398 let me know what they say and if you get it fixed

[@streetcat1510]

Can you transport the engine laying down in the boot?? Thanks

[@Skinnyriver]

Yeah, on mine it has to be tiller side down. If tiller side is up, oil can leak into cylinder. There should be a sticker that say “lay this side down” or check manual

[@Toxic4262]

What's this wheel close to the throttle handle? Today i bought this engine

[@Skinnyriver]

It’s a resistance knob. It makes it easier or harder to turn the throttle

[@Toxic4262]

@@Skinnyriver Thanks ! Will see in next few days how this engine is working. It has like only 40 runn.hours.

[@halomaniac74]

on the tiller what is that dial that is on the side for?

[@Skinnyriver]

It’s like a resistance knob. Makes it easier or harder to turn the handle and accelerate

[@halomaniac74]

@@Skinnyriver Thanks buddy no one ever mentions that thing and when I use mine t feels like it's not doing anything.

[@allstate125]

No way can you start a internal tank motor in one pull. 12 if your lucky maybe more. I hate these motors.

[@Skinnyriver]

Yeah, I prime mine from an external tank before I leave. The lines have a tendency to back flow back to the tank so first 6 pulls is just to cycle fuel pump get gas back in all the lines. Sucks… but with priming I usually can start in 2 pulls

[@ronthegunman5724]

Sounds like a lawnmower

[@Skinnyriver]

More like a Weedeater

[@spencerboaz2385]

Or just throw the Mercury in the trash and get a Honda and spend your time boating instead of fiddling with a bad mistake .

[@Skinnyriver]

😂 I was thinking Yamaha but yeah the Hondas look awesome

[@mattwaters6987]

You funny guy! I own both. 😂

[@spencerboaz2385]

@@mattwaters6987 Big Mercuries are great but the 4 cycle 2.5 and 3.5 are junk. Which one do you like better ?

[@mattwaters6987]

@spencerboaz2385 it's why I chose the Honda 2.3 hp air cooled for my canoe, but the Mercury 9.9 hp for my 12' aluminum V hull. Both were bought new in 2018. Very happy with both. 🎣🚤🛶😊

[@Chukartramp]

Did it all motor won't start. I've had this problem since I got it. 2022 outboard. About ready to quit on this shit!

[@Skinnyriver]

Sorry to hear that, what motor is it? Are you using the internal tank or an external tank?