Doesn't want to start

[Matysiak]

Hello ALL,<br /><br />Well Summer has finally arrived here in South Africa, so i thought i would take my boat out. The motor is a 1980 115 hp Johnson.<br /><br />The problem is that the starting was erratic, now it is almost impossible to start it. I figured it must have something to do with the electric choke as when i inject some petrol into the carbs, it starts fine. Once going it runs perfectly.<br /><br />Question. Does it sound like the electric choke is the problem? How can i confrim it is the choke? How do you service/repair the choke?<br /><br />Any advice appreciated.<br /><br />Stephen.

 

[OBJ]

Re: Doesn't want to start

Stephen....what you have for a choke is a primer solenoid. The primer shoots fuel into the reed cage area when activated for cold starts.<br /><br />Pretty easy to test. Look right on top of the upper carb for a small primer hose and pull it off the carb nipple. Direct into a jar or hold a rag under it. Crank the engine while holding in on the key and see if fuel spurts out the primer hose. If it does, the primer is working.<br /><br />If not....turn the red lever on the primer counterclock wise as far as it will go and repeat the test. The red lever is the "manual" mode for priming in case the solenoid fails. If you do have fuel spurting out the hose with the red lever set to manual, trouble shoot the primer solenoid.<br /><br />You should be able to hear/feel the primer solenoid pick up when the key is pushed in. There should be 12V's at the pruple wire lead at the solenoid with the key pushed in.<br /><br />If all these test prove good, check the feed hose to the primer from the fuel manifold. It could be plugged.<br /><br />Keep us posted of what ya' find.....thanks.

 

[Matysiak]

Re: Doesn't want to start

Thanks OBJ, will try it out this weekend.