Newbie with a starting question

[KEVINSHARP]

First of all, this is a wonderful and very informative site. After searching for the past couple of hours I can't find my answer so I thought I would ask it. This is my first boat ever. I have a 73 115 hp Johnson that will not start without using starter fluid. After the initial start and subsequent run it will start fine all day long. My question is how do I get it to start without the starting fluid?

 

[jonesg]

Re: Newbie with a starting question

Fix the choke.
Its probably due for a carb rebuild anyway.

 

[KEVINSHARP]

Re: Newbie with a starting question

When I hit the choke switch, it does engage. On the outside looking at the motor I see it engage, it may not be doing anything on the inside.

 

[asdasc]

Re: Newbie with a starting question

There should be a bulb in the fuel line. That needs to be gently pumped up until it fills the line with fuel. Then turn on the choke and hit the starter until it fires. Then turn off the choke and as it warms up you may need to feather the choke a time or two until it runs smoothly.

If the motor sat with gas in it more than 3 months, you probably need to rebuild the carb and clean it all out. It is easy to do, and the instructions are in the 'Top Secret' info at the top of the page. Many guys do it every year.

Also, NEVER use starting fluid in your motor. It washes away all the lubrication and causes premature wear. If you must spray something in there, get a can of spray SeaFoam.