On Sun, 14 Nov 2004 12:20:49 -0500, Harry Krause wrote:

Lloyd Sumpter wrote:
Excuse me while a vent a bit here...

Last June, I bought a brand-new 2005-model Merc 4-stroke 9.9. This is the
"ultralight" model: around 80lb. Turns out it's a rebadged Tohashu,
apparently.

This was the first brand-new outboard I've ever owned. Until now, I've
been running 20-30 yr old clunker 2-strokes.

First, it doesn't start as easily as I would expect. After going through
the rather complex Starting Procedure (including pushing the button on the
side and bringing the throttle above idle in neutral: recommended by the
Dealer but NOT IN THE MANUAL), it will start after 3-4 pulls. I've had
30-yr-old clunkers that start better than that!


No offense, Lloyd, but I wouldn't buy any new outboard engine without
first test-running a demo. And I wouldn't settle for the answers you are
getting from the dealer. Return it for a refund.

I did have them run it for me in a tank, but it's not the same thing. This
is a $2500 9.9, not a $50,000 200, so I doubt they'd let me put it on my
boat and run it around for awhile before I bought it.

I don't really WANT a refund - I want them to fix THIS engine: Sounds to
me like all it needs is some idle adjustments.

Which brings me to one reason for posting this: Is there anyone out there
in rec.boat-land that has a new-ish 9.9 4-stroke that can tell me if this
is "normal"? Does it start first pull, or after 3 or 4? Does it start on
idle? Does it idle when cold? Is there vibration when in gear at idle? And
is there a "lag" as you throttle up?

Lloyd Sumpter
"The Tin Boat" Mirrocraft 12