'80s Evinrude 15 HP won't start w/o starting fluid

[joaklay]

This motor's developed this new problem this year, won't start cold or hot w/o a shot of starting fluid but once that's done, it runs fine until shut off again (plenty of power, etc). If one doesn't have starting fluid in the boat, one's then rowing home.<br /> I suspect that it needs a carb overhaul but does anyone here know exactly what part would cause that?

 

[rodbolt]

Re: '80s Evinrude 15 HP won't start w/o starting fluid

hello <br /> keep starting it with ether and you will learn how to replace pistons while cleaning the carb. just clean the carb and it will be ok.<br /> good luck and keep posting

 

[fireman57]

Re: '80s Evinrude 15 HP won't start w/o starting fluid

NEVER but NEVER use starting fluid on your engine. Does not have the lubrication that the motor requires. Keep a bottle of premix with you and squirt some of that in there instead of starting fluid. Sounds like maybe you are not getting sufficient pressure from your primer bulb. Does it pump up? check your fuel lines going to the carb for cracks and leakage. If you have to overhaul this carb it is an easy thing to do once you get it off. But please don't use starting fluid unless you want to do a complete overhaul of your engine.

 

[knobby]

Re: '80s Evinrude 15 HP won't start w/o starting fluid

Here's you a site that will walk you though to help you and loaded with info for your motor:<br /> http://www.pugetsoundanglers.org/Fishing Info/Johnson 9.9_15.htm

 

[umblecumbuz]

Re: '80s Evinrude 15 HP won't start w/o starting fluid

Joaklay,<br /><br />Assuming compression from startup is OK - sounds probable - and the motor runs well when you've got it going, then try the easiest things first:<br /><br />Is it pumping fuel OK from first pull? Check by sliding off the fuel pipe by the carb and giving it a turn on the cord (- or quick turn on starter if electric). Make sure plugs are out and kill switch on - just makes it easier and safer. If poor, check for crud in filter (follow pipe back to first fitting on block - this is the pump and filter) Easily unscrewed and gauze filter cleaned if needed).<br /><br />The pump will often supply enough fuel to run the motor once it's going, even if filter is nearly blocked, but might not supply enough while hand cranking.<br /><br />Do you troll a lot, using low revs? The engine may have been set up for this over the years, so the idle adjusting knob (next to the choke knob) may need to be opened out to get more fuel in for easier starting. Pull it partly out (friction fit)and with it clear of the normal stop, give it an extra half turn anticlockwise, then pull it off and reposition it.<br /><br />If that doesn't help, the carb is the next suspect item. It's easy enough to have this off and strip it down. The starter recoil assembly needs to come off first - one central bolt. A tip which the website above doesn't mention, is to hold the starter recoil assembly tight together as you undo the mounting bolt, and put a 3/8th nut on the end of the bolt as you draw it clear. Saves the whole lot coming apart. I think the website above gives carb strip and setting details, but if not, this forum will!<br /><br />That's a nutshell sequence to try first.<br /><br />Have fun!<br /><br />Ciao

 

[joaklay]

Re: '80s Evinrude 15 HP won't start w/o starting fluid

This motor isn't mine but resides at the family cabin all year, used by many people. I had no problems with it 2 months ago when I was there last but when back up there last weekend, I was told about how bad its starting has become and observed it myself. Fear not, I don't think it got too much starting fluid and I know that it's not good for 2 cycle engines.<br /> It's not here at my house yet, went elsewhere but I can retrieve it so I will and take a look at it. Doesn't sound too hard to fix.<br /> Thanks

 

[joaklay]

Re: '80s Evinrude 15 HP won't start w/o starting fluid

OK, old thread now but after the winter it's finally ended up at my house. Another guy was going to get it fixed but that didn't happen.<br /> In my test tank, has fuel going to the carb, pump is clean (checked) but gas drips out the front of the carb (silencer off) so the fuel level in the bowl must be too high. <br /> It'd start and run fine when checked cold in my test tank but I know that it doesn't always start that easily.<br /> The mixture knob was missing so I ordered one (have in a few days). I got a carb kit with a new plastic float, the original was cork so I assume that the cork is perhaps saturated? Doesn't look gunked up in there at all.

 

[joaklay]

Re: '80s Evinrude 15 HP won't start w/o starting fluid

Put carb back on (now completely cleaned, new float parts, gaskets) and adjusted mixture as best possible using pliers as I'm waiting for a new mixture knob to arrive. Carb had NO visable debris, gunk inside btw.<br /><br /> I previously dissaembled the fuel pump but no dirt was found in screen and gaskets looked OK too. When checked cold, pump on motor, pulling rope, fuel was coming from pump to carb (hose off carb).<br /><br /> It's still hard to re-start after warming it up.<br /><br /> While warming it up, it needed to be choked a few times to keep it running so it was running too lean. It improved after trying my best to adjust the idle mixture using a pliers.<br /><br /> When it's not starting (warm), I can give it a shot of carb spray (I know...) and it'll fire right up. Choking it warm doesn't help to restart it.<br /> <br /> I'm now assuming that there must still be an issue with the fuel pump when warm.<br /><br /> Opinions?

 

[fireman57]

Re: '80s Evinrude 15 HP won't start w/o starting fluid

Did you make sure that the low speed jet was clean? Use compressed air to make sure. Float set level with carb when turned upside down? To check your pump pull the hose off the carb that goes to the fuel pump. You should not be able to blow through it.

 

[chris in va]

Re: '80s Evinrude 15 HP won't start w/o starting fluid

I think what is going on is your fuel level in the bowl is either too high or low. I remember having an issue with a 2bbl in an I/O bow rider where it would choke and gag, then just not start. Turned out the metal float plate was gradually bending down and flooding the carb. Same thing was happening with my 9.9's carb, and it was very difficult to start until I bent the float up some so the fuel level would drop.<br /><br />The instructions on the rebuild kit tell you to make the float level with the carb lip, but that's bogus.