Mercury XR6 Cold Start

[Philo Beddoe]

I've been looking at boats for quite a while and ran across one recently on Craigslist that may have some potential.  However, part of the seller's description about the motor is what I need educated on.  I've searched some of the other boards to get as much info as I can but thought I'd ask you guys for your input.  I've read XR6's tend to be cold natured and that's just a characteristic of carbed motors. Below is the description in the ad. It seems like the obvious causes of starting problems have been addressed(except maybe a battery which wasn't mentioned in the ad).  You guys have any other ideas as to what would cause cold starting problems after replacing all the stuff mentioned in the ad?  Or is that just the nature of the beast?

 

Not sure on the hours on the motor but the powerhead was rebuilt 2 and half years ago. The lower unit was replaced a year and half ago. The carbs were rebuilt 8 months ago along with all new fuel lines, fuel pump, and primer bulb. It comes with two gen2 lowrance hds 7s. The trailer could use some new wiring for the lights and lately the motor has had kind of a problem with a cold start, but the motor runs fine once it is started. It does need some work but it wouldn't take much too have her ready for the water 

[TOXIC]

There's a lot of red flags in that ad that I would have to check out.  Powerhead AND Lower unit replaced within the last 2 1/2 years?  No idea on hours? Major rebuilds of carbs, lines, etc?  If I went and looked at the rig and the price was right, I would take it to a mechanic I trusted to go over the motor and give it a clean bill of health before any $$ changed hands.  With that being said, XR6 motors are cold blooded and most of the guys that I know have a "procedure" they go through every time they start them.  Throttle position, number of times choked, etc., and once they figure out what works they do it every time.  

[DINK WHISPERER]

I've had one XR6(my last Nitro) and it will also be my last! There were times it just wouldn't start no matter what. Pretty embarrassing at the ramp when there's a line waiting to put in! It finally exploded on me one day 2 miles from the ramp. EFI only for me now. Never had a single issue with the 5 other EFIs I've owned before. If you really want it, spend a little $$ and get it checked top to bottom.

[slonezp]

Carbureted Mercs are know for being temperamental in the cold.

[J Francho]

  On 12/6/2017 at 2:49 PM, slonezp said:

Carbureted Mercs are know for being temperamental in the cold.

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Yep.  Four members of my old club had XR6 or Black Max.  They would launch early, just so they would be sure their motors were warmed up and could start.

[rangerjockey]

I had a xr6 on a Ranger years ago. The procedure was prime the bulb, Make sure it's trimmed level, hold the enricher in for a count of 10 and hit the starter. Once it spits give it some hand throttle and spin it again. That usually works . If you have a hot foot it's easier to catch it with the throttle when it spits.

Once it's warm you won't hear the starter the rest of the day.

 Everybody has a trick to start them, Mine was always a pain.. with that said it was a great running motor and outside of routine maintenance I never spent a lot on it..

 Would I own another one after years of EFI and injection ?    No chance.

[Philo Beddoe]

Thanks for the replies.  Sounds like at the minimum it could be annoyance that I don't want to deal with when anxious to get on the water.  It give me flashbacks of how I felt about an old Harley Shovelhead I had. It seemed like the more people watching the more kicks it took to get it started.  

[WRB]

Negative ad statements are a red flag....pass on this.

Tom