Difficult to start an 1989 85hp

[Jeffreyi]

My engine starts but I fear that I'm putting a strain on my starter. When I start it, the starter will crank and then stop and disengage. This will happen over and over for a period of about 10 min. Eventually it will start and run fine up to 4000 rpm max.

The carbs were rebuilt about 8 months ago, the battery, plugs and starter are new.

Thanks.

 

[Nate3172]

Re: Difficult to start an 1989 85hp

How long are you cranking it before it stops? It sounds like it is tripping the breaker for the starter and then when it cools down it resets itself and allows the starter to start working again. This may sound like a dumb question, but are you engaging the choke while trying to start it and if so are you sure that the choke is actually working?

 

[Jeffreyi]

Re: Difficult to start an 1989 85hp

Thanks for your reply.

The time it cranks varies. I don't won't to crank it to long in fear of damaging the starter, I'd say it will crank from 2-8 seconds. As far as the choke goes. When I push in the key to engage the choke I hear it click and see (when the hood is off) a linkage on the three carbs move up.

One thing that I forgot to mention in my original thread. Once the engine starts it will start immediately throughout the rest of the day.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Difficult to start an 1989 85hp

Do you know that some of these engines just will not start cold unless put into the fast idle-warm-up position? Your clue to me is that it starts fine the rest of the day. Also: are you priming the carbs with the fuel line bulb for the first start? The fuel pump is not efficient enough the draw fuel through an empty line for the first start. Pump the bulb until it gets firm. Then the carbs are full.

Depending on your control box, either push in the center button to disengage the shift linkage or pull out the whole handle about 1/4 inch and in each case advance the throttle as far as it will go. This will give a start and warm-up speed of about 1500-2000 rpm. Start and choke as usual.

After the engine warms-up a little (time varies with engine) pull the handle back to idle position and it should give a reliable idle.

Engines are like people: they are all the same, but different. Some will start on the first revolution and others need to crank a bit; some need to warm-up longer than others.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Difficult to start an 1989 85hp

And are you pumping the fuel line primer bulb till firm, before starting?

If everything is right, and you are using the correct procedure, it should start within 30 seconds.

 

[Jeffreyi]

Re: Difficult to start an 1989 85hp

Thanks to all.

Yes, I do pump the bulb until it's firm and I do pull the control and put it to forward.

I suppose that because this motor is now 18 years old things take time.

However, would it help to spray something into the intake to boost things a bit?

 

[Nate3172]

Re: Difficult to start an 1989 85hp

If you do choose to try a starting aid, do not use ether. BAD, BAD, BAD, for a 2-stroke. Use a spray bottle with fuel mix. Old or not though, it shouldn't need this to start. As a thought, check the conditions of your cables and connections. If these are at all in bad shape with alot of carrosion than it will have alot of resistance and have a high current draw across your electrical system which could effect the amount of voltage and amperage being supplied to your ignition system at cold start.

 

[force fan]

Re: Difficult to start an 1989 85hp

I've had similar starting problems in my 1988. I always make sure the battery is fully charged before leaving the house, or I run the engine connected to a garden hose just to warm it up prior to hitting the ramp. Once warm though, it starts every time with little effort.

When you are done for the day, do you disconnect the fuel line and run the engine until it sputters? I've noticed that if I leave fuel in the carbs then starting takes even longer than when I do not. (I have a 1982 Johnson 15 hp that is the exact opposite--it hates it when I run the fuel out.)