what year is my 50HP engine, and why is it hard to start?

[kevinnem]

went to start it today , and the battery was dead. Will charge, try tomorrow, and report back.

[kevinnem]

OKAY!

So it started up almost right away, did die a few times, but it is starting happy times.
See this video:

Comments thoughts, or suggestions otherwise?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CD3QqM0H2QA

[kevinnem]

and this video shows the "hic up" that is does.

again any comments, suggestions or ideas otherwise?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QAOf7SVd8tE&t=39s

[kadet]

Hard to tell from the vids but it looked a bit smoky which could mean you are running a bit rich on one or more of the carbs.

[Herschel]

This is a bit "out in left field" so to speak; I do admire you guys that keep older engines running. I have a 2 h.p. Honda for my dinghy that is a 4-stroke, but about 10-11 years old. It is nice to get the use out of these old engines. I am not very mechanically skilled so I rely on marine techs for the heavy lifting and keeping my 50 h.p. engines running. My 1998 X, which I bought in 2003, had a 50 h.p. Merc 4-stroke carbureted engine. I began having trouble with it about 5 years ago and went through a bit of money with a marine repair shop with a good rep before I just got concerned about reliability in key situations. I boat in areas with bridges and current in narrow channels (rivers and ICW). I have been in situations upstream of bridges with current and/or strong wind operating such that an engine failure would have been catastrophic and potentially dangerous. Before I replaced the carbureted Merc, I tried very hard to stay on top of the gummed up carburetor problem by running the engines regularly, using non-ethanol gas with stabilizer, and having them serviced on time. Still, I ran into failures to run and the need for tows back to the dock. In 2013 I replaced my Merc with a 50 h.p. 4-stroke fuel injected Yamaha, and I have never looked back. I love its dependability and not having to deal with carburetors. I still make a point to run it frequently, use non-ethanol gas with stabilizer and injector cleaner, keep tanks topped off, and have it serviced on time. I say this just to get it out there that there is "life after divorce" when we finally say "enough is enough" with the starting and running problems.

[cavanman58]

The boat is rated for 50HP but if you intend to sail only I would trade out for a four stroke fuel injected 20HP or smaller. The 2 stroke motors are always crank especially when not used often. I recommend Suzuki.

[kevinnem]

Hard to tell from the vids but it looked a bit smoky which could mean you are running a bit rich on one or more of the carbs.

Would that be the screw on the side that needs to be adjusted?

The smoke is likely 2 fold, firstly, it is running on higher concentration of seafoam, secondly the prop exhaust is just barely under water (man alive is it more quite with that under water though ...) there is a second exhaust about 1/2 way down the leg I think , and it is full out of the water, so I think that makes it louder, and smokey.

[sailboatmike]

Have a lookie see at these drawings, I believe the screw your referring to may be #15 NEEDLE VALVE, Slow speed

http://www.boats.net/parts/search/BRP/E ... parts.html

[kadet]

Would that be the screw on the side that needs to be adjusted?

Probably what sailboatmike has indicated but I don't have a shop manual or detailed photos of your motor