Boat Hard To Start the First Time

[JimKW]

Re: Boat Hard To Start the First Time

This is how I do it:
Pump the throttle 2 or 3 times (make sure at least one pump is WOT, this sets the choke). Leave the throttle at 1/4 to 1/3 open and turn the key. Be ready to lower the RPM's if they are to high after it starts. Eventually you will figure out exactly where to leave it.
If it doesn?t start almost immediately, you have a problem.

This is eactly what I did to the T and it started right up. I guess the pump to WOT sets the choke.

 

[This_lil_fishy]

Re: Boat Hard To Start the First Time

ok, don't mean to "hijack" but I didn't see the need to start a new thread to clarify this question, but what exactly does the "pumping" do?

I've been meaning to post a similar thread, but just browsing tonight, his symptoms are exactly like mine. Once launched, engine starts up instantly all day... Today I went out, it's been 10 days since I last launched.. I primed it (1998 Evinrude 70hp OB) normally don't prime, but been trying to figure out how best to make it start after sitting for a week. Priming seems to make no difference...

I have been trying (as I did today) to push in the button, and throttle up 1/2 way, but I didn't pump it... then after more cranking and cranking, I could smell gas, and it still hadn't fired..

So... pumping it... 3 times you say? I just want to understand what this would do? or is it even relevant on my OB? Cheers

Yer primer bulb might be done, I'd replace that first. It's unrelated to our discussion as the I/O's are basically carb'd car engines with fancy cooling. Priming the bulb and pushing the key in WHILE starting has the same effect. If it doesn't fire up then you have other issues, could be time for a carb rebuild or new plugs (they can foul after prolonged idling) or such. Most two strokes don't need much convincing on a cold start. The priming bulb should get hard (insert sexual innuendo here) and stay hard until the engine has been running for a few minutes, at which time it should stay slightly firmish (instert second innuendo here). Pushing the key in fires a solenoid that holds the choke for you, thus you have to keep holding the key while turning the engine over (actually a cold start circuit). If it's real cold sometimes you need to give it a little push now and then to keep it running and not stalling out..pumping is not necessary but sometimes part throttle when starting will help as well. Each engine has it's own characteristic, but outboards are generally polar opposites to I/O's.

Ian