25HP Johnson - Hard Starting

ronnieb09

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Feb 27, 2009
Messages
41
I've got an 03 Johnson 2 stroke 25HP(manual start) that has become hard to start when cold. Once started for the day, it will start right up first pull.

The engine used to start right up when cold and my starting procedure hasn't changed. It almost feels like the engine is flooded and will only start after several pulls while holding full throttle. This is fairly difficult to both start manually and hold full throttle with one person(tiller steer) so I'd like to fix the problem.

Any suggestions?
 

Whoopbass

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jun 29, 2006
Messages
653
Re: 25HP Johnson - Hard Starting

Rebuild the carburetor.
If that doesn't work make sure the choke flap is closing all the way.

I had an 8hp Johnson that would take 15-20 pulls to get started when cold. There were 2 small factory holes in the choke flap so I closed them up with a 2 part epoxy. After I closed those up it would start on the first pull.
 

tashasdaddy

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Nov 11, 2005
Messages
51,019
Re: 25HP Johnson - Hard Starting

your motor does not have a choke, or choke butterfly in the carb. you have a primer. the knob you call a choke is actually a small pump. it pumps fuel into the intake manifold for easier starting. notice the small fuel line on the top back of the carb, remove this line, and push pull the handle, fuel should come thru the line.

2-3 pumps should be enough for an easy start. too many and you flood the motor.
 

ronnieb09

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Feb 27, 2009
Messages
41
Re: 25HP Johnson - Hard Starting

Thanks for the primer explanation, I've read about it in the manual but always thought of it more as a choke. Anyway, I went out yesterday and pumped the primer twice and it started on the first pull. :redface: Lesson learned.
 
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