OMC starting problems

[essel]

I have a great 35HP Evinrude but, when the petrol dries out of it, it is very difficult to start and blows some serious blue smoke for several minutes. I was assured by a local agent that this is normal for OMC engines. Is this true? It has now become a major hassle as I leave my boat with my caravan at a remote location and spend the first few hours of my visits trying to get the motor started, sometimes flattening the battery before it goes. Once it does go and the smoke clears she starts and runs a treat. Does anyone have any comments or suggestions?

 

[JB]

Re: OMC starting problems

Howdy, <br /><br />Please tell us the model number of your engine, what fuel mix (if any) you are using and the procedure you use to shut her down for a few days or more.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: OMC starting problems

I would also be curious of the starting procedure you are using. Do you run the engine until it's out of fuel when you are done using it?? What is the oil ratio you are using?

 

[essel]

Re: OMC starting problems

Thanks for the replies. The engine is an Evinrude 35Q, Model #: BE35QLEU.<br />It is a 2 stroke self-oiler. I use OMC outboard oil and 91 octane petrol. They added something to our petrol here a few years ago which reduced it's shelf life.<br />I don't take any special measures when stopping the engine. Cold starting requires pushing the ignition key to electronically prime the motor.<br />If we assume (as I am reasonably certain) that the fuel has drained/evaporated from the carb and fuel lines, I'm wondering if when I start it, the injected oil is beating the fuel to the carb, oiling the plugs and making it difficult to start. It would also explain the blue smoke for several minutes after getting it going.

 

[OBJ]

Re: OMC starting problems

Just another question here....do you pump up the primer bulb first before starting cold? Sounds like you may be starving for gas at cold start up. What kind of separate oil system are you using?

 

[essel]

Re: OMC starting problems

Yes, I always use the primer bulb before starting.<br />The motor has an oil container built-in under the cover and mixes the oil automatically.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: OMC starting problems

Are you pumping the fuel primer bulb or the oil tank primer bulb when you cold start it? Never pump the oiler primer bulb. Once it's primed, it stays that way. If not, sounds like the VRO is over-oiling or leaking oil into the cylinders while it sits. Your theory sounds correct. could be the VRO is at fault..

 

[essel]

Re: OMC starting problems

I only prime the fuel line. I didn't know there was a primer bulb on the oil line. Do you know where the fuel and the oil are mixed? If there was a plentiful supply of oil but not of fuel, would the oil be able to get into the cylinders?