1973 -135hp johnson hard starting

[vmax95red6]

I have a 73 135hp johnson that won't start when cold. if i spray some fuel in carb she kicks right over. choke is working. after i do this i can turn her off and she will start right up. any ideas. Thanks Bill

 

[Walker]

Re: 1973 -135hp johnson hard starting

Make sure the choke butterflies are closing all the way when you push the choke button. May be as simple as an adjustment on the choke solenoid.

 

[vmax95red6]

Re: 1973 -135hp johnson hard starting

choke is closed

 

[OBJ]

Re: 1973 -135hp johnson hard starting

Got to be fuel not getting into the throats vmax. As Walker pointed out, make sure the butterflies are closed ALL the way. Bulb is pumped up snug, no leaks in fuel system. Looking at another possibility, could be in need of a carb overhaul. How does she idle? Any problems?<br /><br />EDIT: Your idle jets are located on the side of the carbs towards the rear on both sides. There is a screw plug over them. Sometimes these can get plugged and it'll be hard to start. If you remove the cover screw and pump the bulb to flush them out, this may help. If this does help, it would be a good idea to over haul the carbs.

 

[vmax95red6]

Re: 1973 -135hp johnson hard starting

ok i'll try that thanks

 

[vmax95red6]

Re: 1973 -135hp johnson hard starting

she idles good. i see no leaks but will double check. Thanks Bill

 

[AaronG]

Re: 1973 -135hp johnson hard starting

My 1974 115 acts in a similar way. Starting it cold is always a bit of a chore. I usually need to use the choke lever on the engine rather then the choke solonoid. It seems to work better. Still Starting it is usually at least a 30 second ordeal. Fortunately, I never need starting fluid. <br /><br /><br />I usually just attribute it to the engine being 30 years old. Once its on, it runs great. Nice sound and a lot of power.<br /><br />-Aaron

 

[ledgefinder]

Re: 1973 -135hp johnson hard starting

As Walker says, chokes need to be 100% slammed shut; 99.94% won't do it. Advance the fast idle lever on the control box all the way. If those two don't do it, check your carb synch & idle timing settings.