hard time starting my old Johnny

[sergioy]

I jsut bought a cheap fishing boat the other day. And I am having a heck of a time starting the motor. When the guy showed it to me he jsut fired it right up. But when I put it o the lake the day after it jsu ttakes for ever to start. I am wondering if I am doing something wrong.<br />The motor is a 1975 70 hp seahorse. I do not recall the steps the gentelman that sold it to me took to start it. But like I said it fired right up (twice). I think one of the first things I'll do is decarb the motor. But is there a "best" way to start it?

 

[CATransplant]

Re: hard time starting my old Johnny

Well, it's possible that the seller had the engine all warmed up when you arrived. That's the oldest trick in the book.<br /><br />But, it's also possible that he had the routine down pat for starting that engine when cold, and it's not the same as you're using.<br /><br />Can you contact the seller? It might be worth a try.

 

[CATransplant]

Re: hard time starting my old Johnny

I checked on your outboard. It uses a standard choke on the carbs. Here's a drill to try for starting your outboard when cold:<br /><br />1. Pump the fuel bulb until it is firm. This moves fuel from the tank to the carburetor float bowls.<br /><br />2. In neutral, advance the throttle slightly on the controls.<br /><br />3. Activate the choke on the carburetors. In most cases, this will mean pushing in on the key as you turn it to the starting position. On some installations, there will be a choke button, instead, near the keyswitch. Push it and hold while you crank the engine.<br /><br />4. Crank the engine, with the key pushed in. When it starts, release the key to take the choke off. If the engine tries to die, push the key in momentarily to apply the choke again.<br /><br />If this doesn't work, advance the trottle a little further and try again.<br /><br />Once you find the correct throttle position for your outboard, mark it for future reference.<br /><br />Most outboard which are in good condition respond to this method for starting very well, firing right up. If not, then you may have some work to do.

 

[CATransplant]

Re: hard time starting my old Johnny

One other note: I see that your motor's remote has a warmup lever. It'll be a small lever on the remote. Pull it up when you start cold, using the choke as described above. Do this instead of advancing the throttle. Once the motor has warmed up, you can return it to its normal position and the motor should idle well.<br /><br />Sorry for the confusion. I generally deal with older units.

 

[sergioy]

Re: hard time starting my old Johnny

Thanks CA, i'll give it a try and see. But also I need to call the seller today about the boat cover today, so i'll ask him about it. Again, thanks

 

[Basscat 1]

Re: hard time starting my old Johnny

In the water, the boat motor will re-act differently than it does out the water due to the backpressure put on the exhaust. Pump the fuel bulb until it is hard as CATransplant suggested.<br />For the first start of the day, make sure the choke flaps are fully closed, and I would set the throttle in the full up postion until it cranks and then drop it back down. Most engines have a start mark on the throttle pickup cam on the engine. Check to make sure yours is lining up with that when the warmup lever is fully raised. <br />Once the engine has warmed up, you should be able to bump the key and it should fire right up. If not, then you may have a problem if it is hard to start everytime in the water.

 

[sergioy]

Re: hard time starting my old Johnny

Well, i've had the boat for a week now and have had it on the lake 4 times. I've got it down to where it starts on the first crank when it is cold. But once it warms up and I try and start it has some problems. <br />So yesterday after fishing I ran the motor for a few miles and when I got back to the ram I went ahead and sprayed the carbs with Deep Creep. I will go ahead do the plugs also (I know I should have done it then, but no time). Once that is done I will replace the plugs. <br />Anything else I should do? The motor runs great once it starts.

 

[fireman57]

Re: hard time starting my old Johnny

One your motor is warm just turn the key. Don't go through the cold start procedure.