How to start a Mercury 40, 50, 60 hp outboard with a DEAD Battery

[@cigar4rod]

I will say it publicly but I know I’m not the only one…didn’t even know I had that rope in my Classic, now I’m off to check. Thanks Mark!

[@dropshotfishing7808]

I'd definitely recommend leaving flywheel cover off and just put cowl back on till back on land for safety and time in that situation. Good video

[@MarkBlackstock]

I simply wanted to show it could be done. I understand most aren’t comfortable working on a running motor.

[@chuckmorton5730]

I agree.

[@jostafew]

Good video. I was reading the manual for my new Tohatsu 60 which talks about a similar dead battery start situation. One key difference though, they tell you specifically to leave the flywheel cover and cowl off, presumably to avoid risk of making contact with moving parts during reassembly.

[@MrHubbard738]

Thanks for the handy tip. you know that will happen to everyone at least once. The first time you learn you need a new cranking battery. Thanks for showing me what to do.

[@muggz3570]

I asked dealer what those tools were they told me they didn’t know. Dude this is awesome thanks.

[@slimpickins9124]

Those tools were included in my owners manual /info kit. I wondered what they were for as the dealer did not tell me when I picked up the boat. They are now in the boat tool kit that is always in the boat. Good video/tip.

[@tdmcolo]

The problem with my 40hp EFI 3 cylinders, that the EFI system needs 12v to operate itself. So, if your battery is really empty, the alternator will not give 12v to EFI system! Last year, my battery was empty, I started the motor with cables and another boat battery, it started directly but when I unplugged the cables the motor stopped.

[@Crownbagavenger]

Wow I didn’t know they gave you a backup like that! Great info! On my fishing boats I always packed a cheap set of jumper cables for just such a situation, and needed it a couple times… I could piggyback off a trolling motor battery to get me back to the trailer if SHTF.

[@dsmith2858]

One of your top, most useful vids yet! Keep them coming.

[@mrearloutdoors]

Thank you for the information. The dealership where I brought the boat never told me about where the rope was at.

[@kevincrosby8994]

Great video and much appreciate - new boat owner guy from Michigan

[@bcroft68bc]

That is so cool. I just checked my 50 hp merc and sure enough, the rope is there. Thanks for the information.

[@vtseller]

I just picked up my first boat last fall (2018 Tracker TXW 175) so as a total newbie this video is beyond helpful! Thank you!

[@jimsiggy]

I just got my first too, also a Tracker 175 TF, but 2013.

[@JoshSmith-wo7zw]

Mercury has been doing this for years now. Back in the 70's and 80's they were doing this as well.

[@johnnylm0583]

thanks Mark just bought a new a new boat with a 40 HP Mercury Jet Engine had no idea,

[@jmccain8147]

I like to think of myself as the Idea Man behind your genius videos. Glad you knew what to do when the situation arose. Let the great starting battery hunt commence.

[@extremeboating7347]

Excellent video! I actually was placing a new cowl cover on my 50 convert 60 HP Merc engine for my Classic XL about a month or so ago and saw a bag in there with what appeared to be a rope for the flywheel. I imagined it was so much but never pulled the rope out. It's good to see that they prepared for the worst of situations and were good enough to provide you something to get you out of a pinch if that ever becomes an issue. You got a subscriber brother. I'll be making videos again soon and will be documenting some of my takes on the Bass Trackers for mods and tips as well. Great job!

[@tsuyoshiislandrider4864]

Mahalo Mark for making this video, did not know that. Always saw the plastic cover and assumed it couldn't be rope started.

[@tlukins]

Mark, Very good info. I knew this was possible but I have never had to do it. It's nice to see it in practice. Thanks

[@CruisingEntertainment]

thank you! learning all i can before fixing mine and heading to the water!

[@markkarklins1719]

Fantastic! i now have the confidence if it ever goes wrong.. Thank you...

[@joemes3888]

Thank you for the video, I'm a newbie boater and found this very helpful.

[@rtoth123456]

Thanks for the video. I wish I knew about it about a month ago. But, now I know what to do next time my battery will go and I am in the middle of the lake.

[@justinclark6053]

Huge help for a beginner, thank you for sharing!

[@Lightspeed30]

That was very clean and informative Mark! Thanks for explaining that! Keep the videos coming bro.

[@JD-gh5op]

I’d be quite upset at this video if my troller didn’t bail me out 3 miles from the ramp a couple years ago 😂 Peace of mind now with this videos information. Thank you

[@phillipmeredith1645]

It helped me, I had no idea what that tool was for

[@michaelbernard5477]

If you have an additional battery for trolling motor, just Cary set of jumper cables

[@Athon08]

But if you been trolling all day and not enough juice to jump lol

[@bidkid2020]

I never had to do that knock on wood very good video now I know what to do thanks

[@Wooduck]

Very good vid which is much appreciated by this viewer.

[@operatingengineer520]

Well after seeing this, I had to go to the garage and see if I had a pull rope in my 60 Merc, and I do! One thing I noticed, you wrapped the rope clockwise. Was there a label stating rope wrap direction after you took the 4 bolts loose? I’ve never had to utilize this life skill, so I’m new to the pull rope thing😂. Thanks for the video, I’ll be set if a bad day pops up!

[@andrestobar530]

Thankyou for posting this video ! It got me out of a jam tonight.

[@MarkBlackstock]

Glad I could help.

[@thangknowa3288]

How did the hole get in your cover? Also, warn your buddy to look out before you pull the rope, that little knot in the end will hurt like hell!

[@MarkBlackstock]

What hole

[@thangknowa3288]

@@MarkBlackstock Sorry, on second look it was just a reflection.

[@Eb42950]

Great video! One thing that I did was to add a second battery to my boat. This helps alot as I can run and charge them independently or use both together if more power is needed for starting/

[@aukevinj]

If you’re running a 12v trolling motor, then could also swap motor leads to it to start

[@MarkBlackstock]

@aukevinj of course you could.

[@Chris-hi9ti]

Whenever someone gets a new boat I always tell them to practice that on the water, practice popping a spare plug in from the inside while the boats on the trailer and make sure you have enough blocking to actually change the trailer tire if you needed to.

[@jimmielittle877]

I wondered how people started with out a pull rope? Thx🌻

[@TOURMANBOB]

I don't think I have the facility to use a pull rope on the newer 2017 Mercury 90HP. I had a battery problem but I had to use my Microstart Anti Gravity battery booster to get it started. I keep one of these for use with my 4 and 2 wheeled vehicles. Saved the day out on the water.....

[@AmbassadorsoftheHunt]

Thank you for the video. I did not know I had to have that tool to start it manually

[@tommanley2025]

thanks for having a video on this. Very informative.

[@colbyscott9822]

Dammit. Wish I had known this yesterday. Had to use the trolling motor 3.5 miles back to the dock. Good thing I went lithium for the TM batteries. Still had 50% battery left by the time I got back.

[@kevinlawrence3105]

Smart video ! Thanks.

[@motoman3290]

Great video Mark not many know about that and the dealers seem not to tell ya . Bum shoulder now so I carry a jump starter not much bigger than a phone lol

[@bigjeep2195]

Thanks, now I know what those tools are for.

[@PaulGuinn11]

Great informational video Mark.

[@sleepwell489]

Cool video that I guarantee has saved some butt’s. Thank you!

[@TheFlynxman]

Glad I actually saw how that’s done. Thx

[@outdoorswithlarryrobin]

Just subscribed, great information, just bought a new Mercury 60 4-stroke 🎣👍🏼🇺🇸

[@uramag7]

never knew you could do this .. good to know .. thanks!

[@cencalclassicxl3875]

Awesome Mark thank you for the tutorial. Very helpful. Keep em coming brother.

[@davidmarshall8265]

Thanks for showing this video. Good info.

[@haveallbeentaken]

Had no idea you could do this. Thanks!

[@octaviofuentes7781]

Very helpful video my man thanks for sharing

[@bobbrinck3324]

Great video Mark, thank you.

[@dennisdaniels3035]

Where is this fancy tool normally stored with i have a used older boat. Thanks foe info.

[@MarkBlackstock]

It came in packets of warranty information at delivery of the boat. Unfortunately it sounds as the previous owner didn’t include it. Easy fix, take a socket kit metric for sure and dictate size most likely 10-11 mm keep this socket and ratchet available. Double check the socket size.

[@feegureeetout]

My omc 40hp has a manual prime lever for cold rope starts. A lever you flip by the carb, then squeeze primer once to prime. Put lever back to normal position, then start boat. I keep my rope in my "emergency tool kit".

[@MarkBlackstock]

These new four strokes don’t require all that

[@justinporch9564]

I wonder if this would work on my 90s 40 2 stroke

[@goodolbiker]

My 115hp merc has a rope in it but I think I'd hate to pull start a 2.1 liter.

[@guns-usa8564]

I agree with the other guy I didn’t even know that rope existed I just went out and put sockets in my boat 👍

[@kgilliagorilla2761]

My 03 Yamaha 25 4-stroke with electric start has a knockout for a recoil rope. I wish I could find the recoil kit for it so I could have both electric and rope start. My local shop says it doesn’t exist, but I’ve seen outboards with both. Great tutorial, hopefully never needed.

[@TeamTnA44]

Mine has both ..Its a mercury 30

[@Nardage]

A rope hidden under the cover? What the! Very nice.

[@burs_bobby_iaga]

Great advice but I’d just drive back as soon as it’s started then deal with putting everything back on after. Especially if low on gas.

[@Labradorslobber]

I’d throw the cowling on. I’d do the fly wheel cover at home or in the lot.

[@javierperez2168]

Impressive great information. Does a Mercury 75HP have this option

[@MarkBlackstock]

Most likely

[@scarbie3603]

Very helpful vid. What do you call that tool you used on the bolts?

[@MarkBlackstock]

Good question but it’s a universal socket tool

[@scarbie3603]

@@MarkBlackstock Thanks for the reply!

[@mcclaren807]

Great video. Thanks. But, I just checked mine. There is no bag with a rope inside mine. It's a Fourstroke 60 HP.

[@MarkBlackstock]

Did you get yours new?

[@adriancleveland4838]

WTF I’m going to look under my cowling right now… that’s awesome thanks Mark.

[@JodyDWard]

Great video. Could save a life! But there’s no need to put all the covers back on before you get to the dock. You can do it all then

[@cindymunro1]

Very clear concise video. I would like to know if this works with motors with EFI, or do motors these day by pass it to provide the option of alternative starts such as this?

[@MarkBlackstock]

Good question I honestly dont know. Pull the cowling off of an older model and see if it has the ability to attach a pull rope.

[@chrisfriess6372]

Great video! Where are the tools located on the boat you used in your video?

[@MarkBlackstock]

They were in my packet of paperwork I was given at delivery.

[@ozanveryeri1586]

Good clean job and thanks a lot.

[@jaimeastin]

I got caught in tennis situation one time in my heritage. Bib did not have trolls or plyers... I could not do it. Had to use the trolling motor all the way back to dock. Now I be keep tools. I also went back to using a house battery.

[@tomp3146]

Thanks very much... I needed to know this...

[@waynehamilton5248]

Fancy tool you've been given!? Where would this tool be? Dealer never mentioned it. Thanks in advanced.

[@MarkBlackstock]

In your paperwork and warranty information

[@garyruff6120]

Wow great video I'll have to check mine to see if I have the tools and pull rope thanks again

[@Whatitdo24_7]

Very nice very informative Thank you

[@cradz4979]

FYI you don’t need to put the flywheel cover back on. Put the cowl back on a and get to shore. Address the flywheel cover later on when it’s not running.

[@leemccullough558]

Thank you good video 😊😊😊

[@larrybuehler3001]

Great Video, Thank You!

[@scottnicholas5052]

Great info Mark

[@mustangracer5124]

Got a new Merc 90 hp. 4 stroke.. will look for the rope.

[@penilled-persons]

I'll try to remember not to put my fingers into the flying wheel of death. 😂

[@afarley17]

Thanks a million, great info

[@smokepole14]

Good video very helpful! Does the tool you used come in the bag with the jerk rope? Or did you buy it separate?

[@MarkBlackstock]

It comes in the mountain of paperwork when you take delivery of your boat.

[@smokepole14]

@@MarkBlackstock hmm I’ll have to look when I get home. I don’t think I got one of those. Thanks Mark!

[@strozier7537]

My 2013 mercury 60hp elpt unfortunately does not have a pull start rope in the cowling Wonder if its missing or never came with one

[@MarkBlackstock]

May be something they added in the newer models

[@robmchardy1620]

Thanks. Really useful. 👍

[@GCJNash]

Thanks that was good to see, however I think I would just put the engine cover back on and leave the small flywheel cover off until I was back in port, just in case.

[@darylrue3347]

Probably a dumb question, but how do you turn it off then? Will the key work even if the battery is dead? Maybe the alternator allows the key to work?

[@MarkBlackstock]

Turn it off with Key

[@buttdreads]

Drill work good too

[@BigHxCRicky]

Do you have a link to those very useful tools?

[@MarkBlackstock]

No they came in the packet of paperwork at signing when I bought the boat.

[@gregcollins5597]

hey Mark what is the tool that you used to remove the cover, looked like a multi-tool?

[@MarkBlackstock]

It came in my paperwork with the boat it is actually a cheap socket/screwdriver two piece tool

[@briansemler4636]

I purchased a small generator for my boat when I bought it just in case batteries go dead I can power up my batteries again to get going. Generator is very quiet and weights about 30 lbs. Just plu the generator into the battery chargers and should be able to get power restored. My generator fits between the driver and passenger seat.

[@archer71au]

friggin brill mate !

[@GeorgeL.3]

I was wondering why I didn't have a couple short jumpers made so I could just jump my trolling battery to the starting battery...

[@MarkBlackstock]

You could

[@rogernielsen9759]

Great video Mark. If the engine is cold, how does one set the choke?

[@MarkBlackstock]

I’m thinking it’s not an option on this motor

[@feegureeetout]

My omc has a manual prime lever on the carb. When that lever is on squeezing the primer bulb sends gas to the manifold. You do that, then flip it back to normal run position before pull starting engine. I can't imagine starting an ice cold engine by hand without a prime. Hope i never use it, bit its there.

[@MarkBlackstock]

These little motors are like pull starting a lawn mower.

[@lifeoutdoors2day357]

Bruh this is awesome, had no idea, thank you

[@blc0730]

Is this not included with the Merc 75HP 4 stroke?

[@MarkBlackstock]

Perhaps, I know it was supplied when new on the motors I mentioned I am not aware of the 75HP options

[@scottcole7607]

You could also use 550 cord in a pinch

[@christopherlambert2114]

Mercury says that any efi unit requires a full battery to pull start. Is this true?

[@MarkBlackstock]

Absolutely untrue this battery was toast enough to barely trim. Would not hold a charge.

[@johnnyberg9008]

thank you man that is good advise

[@retflo2583]

Where do you get the fancy tool

[@MarkBlackstock]

Came with the boat paper work when I bought it.

[@retflo2583]

Lucky dog, thanks,,,@@MarkBlackstock

[@KathyStanek-th4vd]

Do you put the key in a certain position or is the key position irrelevant? thanks

[@MarkBlackstock]

Key positioned to on

[@KathyStanek-th4vd]

thank you!@@MarkBlackstock

[@MarkBlackstock]

@@KathyStanek-th4vd of course!