1968 Evinrude 85 HP having trouble starting

[firemedic19077]

My evinrude is having trouble starting. I have changed the plugs and they are getting spark (ouch!). Seems like if I give her a shot of starter fluid she will fire up. I just done care about carrying a can of starter fluid with me. Once she starts she runs just fine. Any tips out there?

 

[Hooty]

Re: 1968 Evinrude 85 HP having trouble starting

Firemedic,<br />Lose the starting fluid!!! It has no lubricant in it and is REAL hard on 2 strokers. If ya gotta prime it use premix in a squirt bottle or old type WD-40 but NO either.<br />For cold starts your engine needs more choke or prime depending on which it has.<br /><br />c/6<br /><br />Hooty

 

[firemedic19077]

Re: 1968 Evinrude 85 HP having trouble starting

That is why I was asking for help there starting fluid can really get you into some costly repairs.

 

[Franki]

Re: 1968 Evinrude 85 HP having trouble starting

As has been mentioned, starter fluid sux in a 2 stroke, put premix in an oilcan and use that when it needs a prime..<br /><br />My 100HP Johnson is also hard to start sometimes.. seems like its going to catch and then doesn't..<br /><br />In my case, it was just a matter of adjusting all my cables and linkages to spec.. and getting used to the motors idiosyncoses..<br /><br />play with your pre start lever position, different levels of choke.. it took me a while, but I eventually got used to this thing, now I can get it running without priming it with anything and without turning it over for ages..<br /><br />rgds<br /><br />Frank

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: 1968 Evinrude 85 HP having trouble starting

FireMedic.... If you have compression and ignition (spark), the usual problem would be clogged/fouled carburetors. If the engine has been sitting for a couple months or so, that's the most likely cause.