Inconsistent problems

[sffilm1]

Hello, I have an 86' Johnson GT 150 V6. She was starting up just fine, a few tries here and there. Then a few days ago, wouldn't start at all, the flywheel just turned and turned. So, I look at the engine, there was a rigid oil line which had now broken. I replaced it with an automotive rubber fuel line. It worked fine....actually BETTER than before, now it started like it should, ONE try. So, the next day, I try it again, now she won't start again. I checked to make sure my oil line held well, and it did. I still suspected an oil issue. So I hook a tank of 50:1 up, she starts up right away. I connect the regular tank up, and shes still fine and starting first try again. Now she won't start at all again, just the ol' turning flywheel. Any clue what's going on? And yes, I've read the whole VRO article in the FAQ.

Steve

 

[ezeke]

Re: Inconsistent problems

Sounds like fuel supply. Yo might try temporarily fitting a piece of clear tubing between the fuel pump and the carburetors so that you can see if there are air bubbles in the line.

When you start the engine cold, do you have the warm up lever fully raised? Are you activating the primer solenoid while you crank?

BTW, Mr. Grannis' VRO article can also be found with the updates, complete with graphics and paragraphs so that you can read it easily, here: http://continuouswave.com/whaler/reference/VRO.html

 

[sffilm1]

Re: Inconsistent problems

I am fully raising the warm up lever. How do I know if I'm activating the primer solenoid? (I'm still pretty new with OB repairs and whatnot)

 

[ezeke]

Re: Inconsistent problems

With the key turned to the run position push the key in. You should hear the solenoid click at the engine. This bypasses the carbs and allows you to get more fuel to the firing chambers quickly.

Raising the warm-up lever advances the timing and gives a little more throttle.

Together these will help to get a good quick start when the engine is cold or has not been run for a while.

The primer solenoid will look something like the one in this picture. The small handle should be aligned with the cylindrical part.

 

[sffilm1]

Re: Inconsistent problems

Oh, yes, sorry I probably seem like an idiot. Yes, it does click, just sometimes it will start sometimes it wont. I just don't know what changed, because after I fixed that oil line it started up everytime before I even got done turning the key.