After trying 3 different fuel pumps I got a new one and after some cranking it finally started on its own without starting fluid. Apparently she needs strong fuel psi to deliver the goods. Once the diaphragm is slightly worn its not good enough?
Boy, what you describe is unusual. Fuel pumps are used to keep the motor running, after she starts, but are not usually responsible for fuel supply for start up. The primer bulb and choke (enrichener) are responsible for fuel supply and fuel/air mixture (respectively).
It's a 1977 85hp Evinrude. 125 psi in each cylinder, good spark, battery, gas. carbs clean. choke works. Runs great once its started. Just can't figure out why it's so hard to start when she's cold. I've owned 3 or 4 OMC V-4's and have not encountered an issue like this before.
Agreed the fuel pump has nothing to to with the " hard to start " condition.---There may be an adjusting screw on the control box that allows you to get more throttle opening with the small lever for throttle only.---What control box do you have ?----Picture ?
it must have been a fluke cause it still doesn't want to start even with the new fuel pump. I prime the fuel bulb, advance the start lever as far forward as it can go, push the key in to choke, heard the butterflies close and turn the key cranking her for 3 or 4 seconds at a time. it took 8 attempts to get her to fire. Once it runs for a few seconds I can turn her off the start it right up again...puzzling
There is something simple wrong with the set-up of the motor !-----Or your starting procedure is wrong.---Are you holding the key in while cranking it over ?--You seem not to want to try / look at simple things.-----The fuel pump has nothing to do with the starting of this particular motor !
Can't assume the choke plates/flappers are fully closing, either manually or electrically (also shouldn't assume a PO checked that when he was having cold starting problems). Engaging the electric choke solenoid or pulling the choke knob obviously doesn't insure the plates are closing -- nor does a clicking sound when choking electrically.
Need to pull off the air silencer cover and confirm the plates are closing on both carbs (a look and touch exercise). If the flappers aren't closing tight, check and adjust the link arms and fastener on the side of the carb(s).
glad to see you got it handled. Was your fix an adjustment in the choke linkage arms, or something else? A lot of folks report similar starting problems.
My last one was a '70s 85. Choke operation was checked when the carbs were rebuilt. I was accustomed to operating the choke manually, but had no cold starting issues. I recall that I warmed it up briefly at half choke.
