I have a 91 Johnson 'Tracker' 40 horse. Got it in January, tried starting it yesterday. After lots of starting fluid, it fired! It would only stay running if the choke button was held in. I figured since the motor hadn't been running for the past 2 years, holding the choke in to keep the motor running was probably normal. Also wanted to get fresh gas in the carbs. After 20 minutes of holding the choke in - I have fresh gas in the carbs, but the motor won't stay running. Now the blonde moment - I decided the problem was electrical. so I pulled off the cover of where you plug the tach in & jumpered the 3 connections. I fried something! I get nothing at the engine. Could I have blown a fuse (please please please)? or does it sound like I did major damage? <br />After reading all 31 pages of posts this morning, my initial problem sounds like fuel pump; am I correct on that at least?
<br /><br />You blew the fuse when you shorted across the purple and black terminals. Had the key on when you did it, didnt you? And since the primer works without having to keep pumping the bulb, the fuel pump works.