My motor almost sank me...

[birdstrike]

What might be the problem with my outboard? It is a 2003 Mercury 60hp, 2 stroke, outboard. Starts up right away, even after sitting for long periods, and 95% of the time it starts immediately on the water, but... every once in a while it just doesn't take and I fool with it for 3-5 minutes before it will start. I was wondering about this as I was playing pinball off of rocks the size of my house on the Big South Fork yesterday.

Steve

[birdstrike]

Anyone have any ideas where to start? Could it be vapor lock? Something electrical, or as simple as new plugs and a tune up?

[roadrunner]

I used to have a old Merc that did that but it had to be hot and all i would have to do was pump up the black bulb on the hose. I changed to a grey hose and it helped.

[birdstrike]

Thanks, I've noticed the fitting that holds the hose into the engine is a bit loose. In fact, sometimes it comes completely off. Going to get a new one if i can find it.

[birdstrike]

Got it, only an $8 part. Hope this fixes it. Will report back.