Johnson 225 Ocean runner cold start....

[Rodznreelz]

I have a 1996 225HP Johnson ocean runner. Since i've had the motor, it has always been a trouble to start. It usually takes 3-4 minutes of repeated cranking to get the motor to crank. This past weekend the motor refused to crank at the launch. I pulled a couple plugs and they were both soaked with oil and gas, as you would expect. About 10 minutes later, the motor attempted to start. Finally, after repeated cranking, the motor started and ran fine. Why is the motor neglecting to start everytime it is cranked from a cold start. It would seem that the motor should crank within 5-10 seconds upon initial key turn. If anyone can help I would appreciate it.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Johnson 225 Ocean runner cold start....

tell us more about your method of starting. Also what plugs are in it? Are the carbs clean? Compression? <br /><br />Once youve determined that the motor is basically OK there may be some hints we can offer. That motor has the "Quick Start" feature. Sometimes advancing the throttle can complicate things. It will rev up on its own and then idle down as it warms up.<br /><br />I use the ol' 4 step method --<br />1- Pump up the bulb<br />2- Turn the key to the "On" position -- do not engage the starter<br />3- Hold the key in to release fuel into the motor for about an "8" count. A 6 count may do it but you have to start somewhere.<br />4- Engage the starter. It should start fast enough to startle you.<br /><br />If its a "cold natured" motor you may have to bump the primer a couple of times until it warms up. Spark plugs have a great deal to do with this.

 

[dajohnson53]

Re: Johnson 225 Ocean runner cold start....

Originally posted by Dhadley:<br /> tell us more about your method of starting. ...<br /><br />I use the ol' 4 step method --<br />1- Pump up the bulb<br />2- Turn the key to the "On" position -- do not engage the starter<br />3- Hold the key in to release fuel into the motor for about an "8" count. A 6 count may do it but you have to start somewhere.<br />4- Engage the starter. It should start fast enough to startle you.<br /><br />If its a "cold natured" motor you may have to bump the primer a couple of times until it warms up. Spark plugs have a great deal to do with this.

This is exactly what it took to get my old V6 Johnson to start reliably - hold the primer in for a GOOD long, full 8 SECOND count to prime. Not just counting to 8, but a long 1-one-thousand, 2-one-thousand, thing. If I skimp, it won't start reliably. 4-6 seconds just wont' do it. Now it starts very nicely. I just think of it as getting fuel up to those top two cylinders, which is quite a lift. may or may not be what's really happening. I also need to bump the primer a couple of times after it starts, but it works very nicely now that I have the "system" down.

 

[Rodznreelz]

Re: Johnson 225 Ocean runner cold start....

The compression on each cylinder is fine. The carbs were serviced 3 weeks ago. The spark plugs are just some cheap ole champion plugs, not sure the number, but the book says they are for my motor. I have not tried the quick start method you suggested. I will try that and let you know how it goes. Thanks for the help.

 

[Rodznreelz]

Re: Johnson 225 Ocean runner cold start....

The quick start method solved all of my problems. Thanks guys.