Hard to start initially...starts great the rest of the day. 40 hp 99-00 2 stroke John

[richg99]

40 hp 99/00 model Johnson two stroke electric start.

Turns over great...but....

I read the FAQs. I pump the bulb...then...today...I tried the "hold the key in for a count of ten" trick. No effect what-so-ever. I've tried to pump the key a few times; I've tried starting without any pumping at all. Normally ( about five trips so far) I fiddle and crank and pump and start and stop...she finally starts with a great big roar. I get some white smoke and then she runs just fine all day.

The bulb is a bit soft, so today I bought another line and bulb but have not yet installed it.

Since the introduction of ethanol, I know lots of people here have had troubles with that. On another engine (40 yammie) I also own..I swapped the bulb and fittings and that cured a similar issue this last summer.

I may not have NOT checked the spark plug gap. We put new plugs in when I checked it out initially...but I don't remember if we gapped them or not. Anyone know the correct gap? The engine started fine...but..we had been pumping away for a while before changing out the plugs...so... who knows what that means.

126 lbs on each cylinder. Runs like a top..ONCE I get her going She re-starts fine all day long also....after the initial start.

I originally had it checked out by my Johnson mechanic. He did some adjusting and cleaning of the carb and pronounced her fit. New gasoline. I don't want to take her back to the mechanic because, due to a boat show next week...I probably won't see her for three weeks if I have to bring her in.

?? Any ideas or suggestions appreciated thanks Rich

 

[jonesg]

Re: Hard to start initially...starts great the rest of the day. 40 hp 99-00 2 stroke

When you push the key in, can you hear the solenoid click?
I would suspect the choke solenoid, its actually a cold start injector.
Make sure the red lever is in the correct position, it should be aligned down the centerline of the solenoid.
MAke sure its clicking ,

and look closely to see if its wet with fuel,
if yes just buy the $12 rebuild kit.

 

[HighTrim]

Re: Hard to start initially...starts great the rest of the day. 40 hp 99-00 2 stroke

Definately sound like a choke issue.

 

[richg99]

Re: Hard to start initially...starts great the rest of the day. 40 hp 99-00 2 stroke

The resolution of the problem was simple. It was OPERATOR ERROR. (me) ..

This 40 hp 1999/2000 Johnson 2 cycle needed me to push the key all of the way in ....and then .....turn and hold the key in the full starting position.... until the motor started. Then, I let go of the key and it sprung back to its proper running position.

That differs from what I thought I read in our FAQ.

My mechanic explained it simply enough. He said that the fuel is injected ONLY when the engine is turning over. In this engine, The cold-start-process works off of fuel pump pressure...so...the engine must be turning over. The mechanic is not only a fully certified Johnson -Evinrude tech (who I have used for three boats and fifteen years)..he also owns this same model and year engine himself.

In our FAQ, I believe that I read to " turn the key to the ON ( but not to the START) position..hold for ten seconds..and then proceed to START." Perhaps, when I read the FAQ is mis-read it..or..the process described there applied to a different size or year of Johnson.

Anyhow .. she starts and runs like a top now.

Just posting this for any future problem searches. Thanks for any input and help. This is a great and valuable site.

regards, rich

 

[HighTrim]

Re: Hard to start initially...starts great the rest of the day. 40 hp 99-00 2 stroke

It isnt clearly stated in the FAQ, it does say to push the key in, but I guess they should add "and hold" while cranking, the author probably just assumed this.

 

[richg99]

Re: Hard to start initially...starts great the rest of the day. 40 hp 99-00 2 stroke

Actualy, in re-reading the FAQ..it is pretty clear in the first portion of the post. However, later on....I read this part

"There is one additional, and admittedly controversial technique, involving the primer system. That is after squeezing the primer bulb, turn the key to RUN (not START) and then push the key in for an 8 to 10 count. The turn it to start. Every Johnson/Evinrude and my current Merc all start better using that technique. Which way you do it is certainly a matter of choice and what works best for you. "

If I would have re-read everything....I probably would have just done it right in the first place...and not paid attention to the second ( RUN-not Start) reference. All's well that end's well. thanks Rich

 

[jonesg]

Re: Hard to start initially...starts great the rest of the day. 40 hp 99-00 2 stroke

Well I did ask make sure its clicking when you push choke.

They definately have their quirks, my mechanic showed me how to fire it up, keep it idling and how to clear it out of it floods.

 

[mark mcj]

Re: Hard to start initially...starts great the rest of the day. 40 hp 99-00 2 stroke

Well I did ask make sure its clicking when you push choke.

They definately have their quirks, my mechanic showed me how to fire it up, keep it idling and how to clear it out of it floods.

And how do you do that???????????????

 

[boobie]

Re: Hard to start initially...starts great the rest of the day. 40 hp 99-00 2 stroke

To clear it out if it floods, push the throttle to wot position in neutral and crank it over till it starts. Puts more air in the cylinders. Just like the old cars that had carbs on them.