Correct method of starting 40hp Evinrude.

[deerhound]

My engine is 40hp 1984 Evinrude electric start with single lever OMC control box, there is a rubber tube affair attached to the ignition key which when pushed in chokes the engine, but what really is the correct method of starting, should this be pushed in and held while cranking or pushed in just once and let go, or used each time whether it is hot or cold and should this be used with warm-up lever in up position? I flooded the engine yesterday and don't know if it was due to overpriming with the primer bulb or what I was doing with the starting procdure? can it be overprimed with the bulb? thanks for any help. JBD

 

[Pony]

Re: Correct method of starting 40hp Evinrude.

I pull the high idle lever all the way up after priming the ball till hard, then turn the key to on (not start) and push key in for 8 seconds or so, then turn the engine over. Once it was started and warmed up a little i would push the high idle lever back down..........This is from a cold start with an 1988 40hp rude.<br /><br />The rest of the times I would start it that day, I would NOT push the key in (choke), or push the primer bulb (the engine is already primed). Just put it in nuetral and turn the key.

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Correct method of starting 40hp Evinrude.

I would do (do, have done, know to do) the same as Pony. Operators manuals will tell you that too much choke will definitely flood the engine and once running, you should not need choke again for the rest of the day, unless it is real cold and the engine has been shut off for awhile; like half hour or so.<br /><br />After the first start, it's always best to try to start it and then, if it doesn't hit, use some choke, sparingly.<br /><br />HTH<br /><br />Mark

 

[timmathis]

Re: Correct method of starting 40hp Evinrude.

Diffrent models are all diffrent like the old mercury inlines you have to flood them to get them started sometimes.

 

[deerhound]

Re: Correct method of starting 40hp Evinrude.

Thanks for info, I was holding key in each time I was turning it over, Texasmark when you say use choke sparingly you mean only hold key in for short time ie, a few seconds, I thought that operation of choke solonoid only cut off air supply to carbs to choke it or does it supply an amount of fuel? and the longer the key is held in the more fuel is supplied to start? thanks everyone JBD

 

[surlyjoe]

Re: Correct method of starting 40hp Evinrude.

its just the switch for the butterfly solenoid. like Tim said, all motors are different. mine doesnt need the choke at all, just half-fast idle and about 4 seconds of cranking, ya just gotta experiment, but as a general rule the choke is only for starting a cold motor

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: Correct method of starting 40hp Evinrude.

Lurcher,<br /> Back up a bit here...<br /> First, if you motor is in fact a 1984 (no model number given in your post) then you have a primer system - NOT a choke system. The primer will give a small squirt of fuel directly into the intake manifold at the rear of each carb. It only gives ONE squirt each time you push the key. Holding the key in does nothing.<br /> To enrichen it for starting, you must push the key in several times (3-4) to give it a good charge of fuel. Then turn the key. If the motor starts, you may have to push the key in a few times until it warms up. Push it and release it - as I said above, holding it in does nothing.<br /> Take care not to race the engine in neutral. Put the warm-up lever whereever works best, but be prepared to ease it back quickly so the engine doesn't run away from you.<br />- Scott

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Correct method of starting 40hp Evinrude.

Actually the primer solenoid acts like a valve. When you activate the solenoid (by pushing in on the key) you open the "valve". It will release fuel into the carb throat or intake or intake passage (depending on what model motor it is) as long as there is pressure in the fuel line. <br /><br />When you pump the bulb you create line pressure. When you activate the primer solenoid, fuel will flow until there is no more pressure. Thats why its rare to flood a motor on a cold start with a primer system. <br /><br />Most times when you hold the key in for an 8 count the fuel stops flowing before you get to 8. As long as the motor is not turning over or the bulb isnt being squeezed no more line pressure is being generated. Therefore no more fuel gets released. <br /><br />Think of it like your garden hose. If you turn off the water at the spicket and the nozzle is shut you still have line pressure. Open the nozzle and water will spay out until you lose the pressure. <br /><br />Now, if you hold the key in and crank the motor over at the same time it will indeed continue to pump fuel in. As the motor turns over the fuel pump is pumping fuel to the primer solenoid. With the solenoid activated the valve is open.

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: Correct method of starting 40hp Evinrude.

Hi DHadley,<br /> Thanks for clarifying that...<br />- Scott

 

[deerhound]

Re: Correct method of starting 40hp Evinrude.

Many thanks to all for great information and explanation, On my previous starting attempts I turned key and it fired up without any choke but died within about 4/5 seconds, I then lifted warm up lever and on another couple of turns managed to catch it with warm-up lever just above idle, but decided to use choke and held it in each time I relised the key, I then pumped the primer bulb between cranking, no wonder it was flooded, when I removed the plugs they were awash with fresh fuel, I let it sit for about 20 minutes put new plugs in and without touching primer bulb or holding key in it fired up and ran with no problem, I was thinking of the choke like a butterfly choke on a car, I do have Clymer manual which doesn't say to much, will print this and keep it handy untill I find best method for this engine, my engine Model number is BE40ELCR thank you again guys for help,JBD