Evenrude 115 1979 OB

[gearyg]

I have an Evenrude 115 1979 OB on my boat. When I purchased it, the fuel was sitting for about 1.5 years (they put stabilizer in it). I drained all of the old fuel out, put another 2 gallons in and drained it again. I also used carbureator cleaner (squirted it in when it was running) Now, the motor runs and starts fine when it is "Fully" warmed up, but when it is cold, it seems to take alot to start it. Sometimes, I come close to draning my battery and need to take the cover off and play with the choke alot.....has any one experienced the same or any possible solutions...thanks.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Evenrude 115 1979 OB

During cold starts, are you pushing in on the key? Also need to raise the fast idle lever. Squeeze the primer bulb until firm. Pushing in on the key while cranking the engine is what activates the choke. Spraying carb cleaner into the carbs while running does nothing to clean the carbs. It just passes through the through directly into the engine. Its the internal passages that need to be cleaned. Add SeaFoam to the fuel. That way it at least passes through the carb.

 

[ralpht44]

Re: Evenrude 115 1979 OB

I agree with Silvertip. I would recommend checking to make sure your choke is activating when you push the key in. Seems like you corrected the fuel problem. Push the fast idle lever all the way up and before you turn they key, push it in. You should hear a slight click. When you hear the click your choke is engaging. Then turn the key and let her rip and she should start right up. Be carefull cranking it too much as you can burn the starter out.

 

[jtexas]

Re: Evenrude 115 1979 OB

When you take the cover off is there something specific you can do that gets it to start?

Are the choke plates aligned and closed off completely when the choke activates?

 

[trfc4ever_aldo]

Re: Evenrude 115 1979 OB

I have a similar problem! I have a 1984 Johnson 115hp!

This is what ive done.

1. Boat had very little power so I cleaned all carburators, cleaned all fuel lines, replaced with new fuel. Turned out to be the Power Pack which was replaced and it ran fine the best it has run for a long time.

But I still have the problem when starting like Geary. It runs fine when warm and starts. But starting from cold it takes ages and sometimes totally drains my battery which is very annoying when your on the water!

I always use the electric choke faciliaty on the remote and I also checked that the choke was working correctly, idle lever is also used.

I find the easiest way to get it started is not to tilt the engine up all the way when travelling (which is dangerous) and then it starts after a few attempts. BUt if engine is tilted up the battery is usually drained from all the attempts to get it to fire!

I am at my wits end with this engine please help!!!!!!!

 

[gearyg]

Re: Evenrude 115 1979 OB

Thanks for the reply. Several people have been telling me that the carbs need to be rebuilt....not sure if this is the cure...did you rebuild the carbs?....thansk.

I have a similar problem! I have a 1984 Johnson 115hp!

This is what ive done.

1. Boat had very little power so I cleaned all carburators, cleaned all fuel lines, replaced with new fuel. Turned out to be the Power Pack which was replaced and it ran fine the best it has run for a long time.

But I still have the problem when starting like Geary. It runs fine when warm and starts. But starting from cold it takes ages and sometimes totally drains my battery which is very annoying when your on the water!

I always use the electric choke faciliaty on the remote and I also checked that the choke was working correctly, idle lever is also used.

I find the easiest way to get it started is not to tilt the engine up all the way when travelling (which is dangerous) and then it starts after a few attempts. BUt if engine is tilted up the battery is usually drained from all the attempts to get it to fire!

I am at my wits end with this engine please help!!!!!!!

 

[KYHunter2]

Re: Evenrude 115 1979 OB

If it sat for 1 1/2 years Id be sure to rebuild the carbs, water pump , check / clean all connections, ( especially the grounds),

Also clean the pins on amphenol plugs.

Check the entire fuel system, ie: lines, filter, bulb, etc. for leaks , cracked lines etc.

And do a thorough decarb.

Then a spark test , link and sync. ( required after carb rebuild ).

Then you'll be starting with a clean slate ,so to speak.

Sounds like alot , but relatively inexpensive, and won't take that long.

KYHunter

 

[ezeke]

Re: Evenrude 115 1979 OB

Almost everyone who has owned the V4 crossflow motors with the mechanical chokes has had the same experience with cold starts.

The answer to starting cold almost always lies in keeping the chokes completely closed all the time that you are cranking. Pushing the key or switch prior to that accomplishes absolutely nothing. Most folks are afraid of flooding the motor so they will not try it.

Another problem is that the capillaries leading into the throat of the carbs from the low speed orifices are often clogged and it is missed in the cleaning process. Since most of the starting fuel has to come from these capillaries, it is critical that they be as clean as possible.

The only way that I know to be sure that the fuel is flowing is to see it entering the carb throats yourself.

Likewise, the only way to be sure that the choke plates are closing is to see them actually close, while looking down the throats of the carbs while someone else mans the control.

BTW, None of these motors are designed to be run at all while tilted more than 15 degrees from the vertical. See the last entry in this thread: http://www.iboats.com/bbboard/bbBoard.cgi?a=viewthread;fid=28;gtid=1111514

 

[jtexas]

Re: Evenrude 115 1979 OB

...
I find the easiest way to get it started is not to tilt the engine up all the way when travelling (which is dangerous) and then it starts after a few attempts. BUt if engine is tilted up the battery is usually drained from all the attempts to get it to fire!
...

Are you saying that the angle while towing affects how easily it starts?

...Geary while you're checking off ezeke's list...just on a hunch, make sure that the warm-up lever advances the timer base all the way to the stop.

 

[KYHunter2]

Re: Evenrude 115 1979 OB

Not wanting to be a pain .

But everything , thats being suggested .

Or at least the majority of it, would be covered with a carb rebuild, link and sync. etc.

ezeke hinted at the carb rebuild/ clean in his last reply, as well as link and sync.

jtexas, is into part of that procedure now.

Save yourself some time and headaches .

Rebuild carbs , water pump, do a link and sync.

And go from there.

Its the best way to be sure everything is operating correctly, as far as choke, throttle, timing advance , etc.

One more thing, when your killing the battery trying to start it.

Don't engage starter for more then 15-20 sec. at a time without a rest .

Or you'll be adding a starter rebuild / replacement, to your repairs.

KYHunter

 

[trfc4ever_aldo]

Re: Evenrude 115 1979 OB

...
I find the easiest way to get it started is not to tilt the engine up all the way when travelling (which is dangerous) and then it starts after a few attempts. BUt if engine is tilted up the battery is usually drained from all the attempts to get it to fire!
...

Are you saying that the angle while towing affects how easily it starts?

...Geary while you're checking off ezeke's list...just on a hunch, make sure that the warm-up lever advances the timer base all the way to the stop.

It seems to have an affect with me yes! If its tilted all the way up whilst towing it usually floods and wont start for about 2 hours!

 

[trfc4ever_aldo]

Re: Evenrude 115 1979 OB

Thanks for the reply. Several people have been telling me that the carbs need to be rebuilt....not sure if this is the cure...did you rebuild the carbs?....thansk.

I have a similar problem! I have a 1984 Johnson 115hp!

This is what ive done.

1. Boat had very little power so I cleaned all carburators, cleaned all fuel lines, replaced with new fuel. Turned out to be the Power Pack which was replaced and it ran fine the best it has run for a long time.

But I still have the problem when starting like Geary. It runs fine when warm and starts. But starting from cold it takes ages and sometimes totally drains my battery which is very annoying when your on the water!

I always use the electric choke faciliaty on the remote and I also checked that the choke was working correctly, idle lever is also used.

I find the easiest way to get it started is not to tilt the engine up all the way when travelling (which is dangerous) and then it starts after a few attempts. BUt if engine is tilted up the battery is usually drained from all the attempts to get it to fire!

I am at my wits end with this engine please help!!!!!!!

I havent completely rebuilt them no! I took the top carb off looked in side and nearly fell over it was that clean! SO i didnt bother to check the one below! But I ill be stripping the carbs right down and giving them a good clean!

Is it ok to clean the carb (jets) using compressed air?

 

[jtexas]

Re: Evenrude 115 1979 OB

aldo, yes - soak in carb cleaner, blast 'em with compressed air. Be a good idea to start a thread of your own, to avoid confusion.

Geary, sorry for the confusion let's recap...hard starting cold, otherwise starts & runs good: Starting with a known good fully charged battery: First verify you are using correct cold start procedure as described above (firm primer bulb, hi-idle lever full up, push and hold key while turning). Second visually verify choke plates are closing completely. Third ensure timer base advances fully when the hi-idle lever is fully raised. Those are the differences between cold start and warm start.

It should start in a few seconds (like, less than 5).

Problem persists, then it's carb rebuild time.

 

[gearyg]

Re: Evenrude 115 1979 OB

This is great, thanks to everyone who has contributed to my problem, I will be taking all of this amunition with me this weekend when I work on my motor....wish me luck......

 

[trfc4ever_aldo]

Re: Evenrude 115 1979 OB

Thanks all aswell its much appreciated and ill be sure to come back and chat