Muffs Vs Tank Starting Procedure?

[jbuote]

Hi,
​I've read the carb settings and the cold start FAQ's. Quite helpful as I'm a new boater and this is my first ever boat.

I have a 71 Johnson 50hp Hydro-Electric. (New to me, but ran this year.. seller said it's a 72, but mfg plate says it's a 71.)

So far, I've tested compression and spark. Both are good! (Yes, well over 100 psi both cylinders, no deviation. I was surprised... AND Strong open air spark with tester at 7/16"..)
Pulled and rebuilt the carbs, set idle Needle valves per rebuild kit and service manual (they agreed)


Normal cold start is to put the start lever to "Start" which advances the timing and opens the throttle. Then when warmed up, put lever to "Run" (basically)

If only using Muffs (flushing) I've read NEVER to run it past idle for it could "Run-Away" with no load on the prop.
Putting the lever to "Start" advances timing and opens the throttle a bit. I feel like I shouldn't do that.

Without using the lever, (left it in "Run") It did start for the first time yesterday for me and I let it run for about a minute then shut it off.
Tried again today, and it WANTS to start (and tries... It revs for a sec and dies), but just won't.

Will using the start lever on the remote cause a "Run-Away" condition for me or is it REALLY ok to use it while JUST on the Muffs for flushing?

Thanks!!!

 

[82rude]

When I had my older outboards sometimes I had to use the warm up lever but for no more than a few seconds .When their talking about run away I believe and maybe I'm wrong their worried about the guy that youtubes his motor for example on muffs and revs her up to 4, 5 thousand k.

 

[boobie]

Normally if you don't rev it over 2 K you won't have any problems. JMO

 

[GA_Boater]

You can run the motor above idle, but only a fast idle. Once it starts and warms up, gradually move back to run. You don't want rev the heck out of it on muffs or you could get the runaway.

 

[82rude]

You can run the motor above idle, but only a fast idle. Once it starts and warms up, gradually move back to run. You don't want rev the heck out of it on muffs or you could get the runaway.

Said​ much better than I attempted

 

[Baylinerchuck]

Also running on muffs above 2k can starve the impeller on the pump. The suction could collapse your garden hose.

 

[jbuote]

Ok, Thanks everyone!! I feel better using it then..