I recently bought a 2008 Triton VT 17 from a dealer 150 miles away. I just tried to start the Mercury 50 last weekend, as have been using only my trolling motor on lakes with NO gas motors allowed. My friend and I were unable to get it to start.
The starter turned over quite well, but seemed to not have the gas to take over. I have never owned a gas motor larger than 5 hp manual start, so was not surprised with my inability, but my friend is more knowledgeable than me, as he has a 40 hp electric start. He expected that there should be a choke somewhere, and/or a throttle. We could find neither, so maybe the Forward/Reverse positions include variable speed controls!?! I also questioned whether the gas tank should have a release valve to prevent a vacuum from forming, but none to be found. There is also a Run switch under the shift handle that didn't seem to matter. And there is an unattached lanyard, but no apparent place to insert it.
The dealer had no manual from the prior owners, but they claimed they had done a full service on it and a compression test, which meant that the motor was started. So I'm concluding that I have an insufficient process - or that they just lied.
If anyone has a manual, I would gladly pay for you to get a copy printed and send to me, and pay you for your trouble. A digital copy would be great!! Or if anyone knows what steps I'm missing. My procedure now is as follows:
1) Lower motor to full down position.
2) Place shift handle in neutral position.
3) Turn key to On position for a few seconds.
4) Turn key to Start position.
Rinse and repeat...
Thanks for any help!!
