Johnson 150 Quick Start Problem

[warhawk]

I have a 2002 Johnson (Bombardier) 150 2-stroke. It has always been very hard starting. Toward the end of this past season, I had several times when the engine simply would not start, and I drained the battery right down without the engine firing even once. I use the QuickStart feature, turning the key part way until the chirp sounds, and the red check lights all go on and off, then press in for choke, then turn the rest of the way. Plenty of juice to the starter motor, but it just won't fire at all. Sometimes the chirp sounds again and the red lights come on again when I turn the key the rest of the way to start the motor (doesn't seem like this is supposed to happen). No leaks in fuel system, and the plugs are all brand new and properly gapped. Local dealer can find nothing wrong. Any advice???? Many thanks. -Warhawk

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Johnson 150 Quick Start Problem

Do you pressure the fuel delivery system first (pump the bulb)?

 

[warhawk]

Re: Johnson 150 Quick Start Problem

I have tried it both ways - squeezing the primer bulb until firm before cranking wasn't working. My dealer said not to touch the primer bulb at all, or the VRO buld either - just leave the throttle in neutral and turn the key according to my description. But that isn't working either.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Johnson 150 Quick Start Problem

Always pressure the fuel system or otherwise there will not be any fuel relaesed when you open the primer with the key (push key in and hold for an 8 coumt before engaging the starter).<br /><br />There is no need to pressure the oil delivery system, in fact it may hurt. You should not have to move the throttle but sometimes it helps. <br /><br />Make sure you have the correct Champion plugs. make sure you use fresh 87 octane fuel and good oil.<br /><br />Good luck!

 

[Cricket Too]

Re: Johnson 150 Quick Start Problem

Pressing in the key is not a choke, it is a fuel primer. You should be pumping the bulb, never heard anyone say not to. Try this, pump the bulb until firm, turn the key on and wait until test horn and lights go out, then push the key in to prime for 5-8 seconds( count it out) and then turn the key to start while keeping it pushed in, the engine should start within 5 seconds. If the engine falters a little after start up you can bump the key ( primer)in a little to smooth it out. This has always worked flawlessly for me. Good Luck.<br /><br />P.S. I wouldn't crank until you kill the battery, that is doing alot more harm than good.

 

[warhawk]

Re: Johnson 150 Quick Start Problem

Thanks to you both. I will try again in the spring.

 

[seahorse5]

Re: Johnson 150 Quick Start Problem

Be sure to leave the throttle closed also. Advancing the throttle when trying to start the motor causes longer cranking times.

 

[warhawk]

Re: Johnson 150 Quick Start Problem

Thank you. I should have also mentioned that once it is warm, the engine runs superbly at all speeds, and if turned off, will restart instantaneously. Problems only occur when engine is cold. Also, I trailer my boat, with the engine tilted up. I am wondering if this could possibly cause a problem at the launch ramp when I tilt the engine back down and then try to start it?? Thanks.

 

[Knightgang]

Re: Johnson 150 Quick Start Problem

Trailering should not be a problem. THese engines were built to be tilted up and down and should not affect performance.<br /><br />I thought that my Suzuki 115 was having starting problems due to trailering, turned out it was a misadjusted choke linkage and bad spark plug caps.<br /><br />I think your engine has the primer choke were mine has a butterfly choke. If you primer nozzels are a little clogged, you might not be getting enough raw fuel to start it up. It might be worth checking.