merc 90 2st starting issues

[ericcs]

i have an 07 90hp 2st merc, which is an absolute pain to start most times, when hot. 2 out of every 3 start attempts result in a backfire which snuffs the startup. Over the years, this has occasionally resulted in the starter bendix gear jumping the flywheel gear, where the gear teeth lock onto the tip of each other. Hitting the starter again is not strong enough to unlock them so i have to use a screw driver to un lock them, which has resulted in replacing the bendix gear 3 times. Also, sometimes after a backfire, the engine get like a compression lock, which takes a while to release, again the starter is not strong enough to over power it. On all backfire restarts, it's a laboured initial wind over.
Now, i have checked the timing/carb sync, appears within spec, and have tried multiple mixture adjustments, with no change, and have tried different octane fuels, also with no change.
Does anyone have any experience or remedy with issue, before i hand it over to the shop experts?

[Spaniard_King]

Common for these engines is for the fuel supply to the electric choke to dry out. This usually happens when the engine is not used for a month or so. Best procedure to over come this is to have someone pump the primer bulb whilst you are choking the engine on start up. This will get fuel supply up the the choke and allow it to operate. You can confirm the choke operation by activating the choke once the engine is running.

i have an 07 90hp 2st merc, which is an absolute pain to start most times, when hot. 2 out of every 3 start attempts result in a backfire which snuffs the startup. Over the years, this has occasionally resulted in the starter bendix gear jumping the flywheel gear, where the gear teeth lock onto the tip of each other. Hitting the starter again is not strong enough to unlock them so i have to use a screw driver to un lock them, which has resulted in replacing the bendix gear 3 times. Also, sometimes after a backfire, the engine get like a compression lock, which takes a while to release, again the starter is not strong enough to over power it. On all backfire restarts, it's a laboured initial wind over.
Now, i have checked the timing/carb sync, appears within spec, and have tried multiple mixture adjustments, with no change, and have tried different octane fuels, also with no change.
Does anyone have any experience or remedy with issue, before i hand it over to the shop experts?

[ericcs]

Common for these engines is for the fuel supply to the electric choke to dry out. This usually happens when the engine is not used for a month or so. Best procedure to over come this is to have someone pump the primer bulb whilst you are choking the engine on start up. This will get fuel supply up the the choke and allow it to operate. You can confirm the choke operation by activating the choke once the engine is running.

This is also an issue which needs attention, so thanks for answering it in advance. Is there a fix for it, or something to live with?

The main issue that i posted about, is when i'm using the boat throughout the day. On a typical day fishing, i might start the boat 20 times, and most times it will backfire, even after it's been off for a minute or two!