hard start 1991 200hp johnson

JESSIELSMALL

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Mar 15, 2006
Messages
112
having trouble starting engine, cant tell if it is not getting any gas or if its not firing, when i turn the engine over, it smokes out of the end of the prop, does this mean it is firing but not getting any fuel. it worked like a champ for a month or two straight, then i let it sit a week with out starting it and now it turns but will not start. any ideas, please help
 

LubeDude

Admiral
Joined
Oct 8, 2003
Messages
6,945
Re: hard start 1991 200hp johnson

I beleive that these engines have to spin at least 300 RPM to start. Is your battery week? Look at your plugs, if they are black you will either have to clean them of replace them with the correct Champion plugs!
 

Gary H NC

Fleet Admiral
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Dec 1, 2005
Messages
8,972
Re: hard start 1991 200hp johnson

The smoke out the prop is a good sign its getting fuel.May be what LD said or weak spark.Test the battery first then clean the plugs and go from there.
 

JESSIELSMALL

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Mar 15, 2006
Messages
112
Re: hard start 1991 200hp johnson

i did notice that the spark plugs wer black and one battery is at 12.0 and the other is 12.2 is this to low
 

tashasdaddy

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Nov 11, 2005
Messages
51,019
Re: hard start 1991 200hp johnson

run down to the autoparts store, and get an adjustable spark tester. spark should jump bright blue, 1/2 - 7/16 inch. that's the only way you know you have proper spark.
 

LubeDude

Admiral
Joined
Oct 8, 2003
Messages
6,945
Re: hard start 1991 200hp johnson

i did notice that the spark plugs wer black and one battery is at 12.0 and the other is 12.2 is this to low

Yes, that's low. Buy new plugs, charge the batteries and I bet she will start right up!
 

Gary H NC

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Dec 1, 2005
Messages
8,972
Re: hard start 1991 200hp johnson

A fully charged battery will usually read 12.7 to 13.1....At least the ones i have tested.
 
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