orange lever on side of something?

br549dh

Cadet
Joined
Feb 6, 2011
Messages
21
Hello i am working on a 48 hp . It has been siting a couple of years. Has 120 psi compression on both cyl. Cleaned carbs an the only way i can get it running is to mess with the orange lever. To get it running i have to turn the lever . After it starts i can lean it out with the lever an it runs good . When i shut it down it will not start until i screw with the lever. I was told that the lever should be parallel the body of the solenoid but if i do that it quits running
 

Tim Frank

Vice Admiral
Joined
Jul 29, 2008
Messages
5,351
Re: orange lever on side of something?

This is where a service manual becomes invaluable.
It will explain what the lever is, and what it does,
 

boobie

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Nov 5, 2009
Messages
20,826
Re: orange lever on side of something?

Are you using the correct starting procedure? Check your owners manual.
 

jonesg

Admiral
Joined
Feb 22, 2008
Messages
7,198
Re: orange lever on side of something?

You need the service book, NOT seloc.
When the ignition switch is hooked up ( suspect it isn't now) pushing ther ig key in activates the elec choke solenoid.
Pushing the red lever 90degs does the same thing manually. They usually will not fire up cold unless they are wet.
Theres a definate starting proceedure, read the sticky file "top secret" at the top of this forum.
here,
http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=299680
You'll find most of the answers.
 

br549dh

Cadet
Joined
Feb 6, 2011
Messages
21
Re: orange lever on side of something?

I just have a single lever with a button to lock it from going into forward or reverse .If i move it from that center n position the starter does not work .How do i engage the high idle that is talked about forum start procedures?
 

daselbee

Commander
Joined
Jan 20, 2009
Messages
2,765
Re: orange lever on side of something?

I think he's talking about his controls at this point.
Look for a lever that runs along the top of the control, that locks with a plastic latch at the rear of the control.
Trip the latch, lift that lever up, and you will have a fast idle without the engine being in gear.

I hope.
 

br549dh

Cadet
Joined
Feb 6, 2011
Messages
21
Re: orange lever on side of something?

I feel dumber than a box of rocks but after reading other posts on the same topic i think i have two different thing going on . If all controls in addition to the primer on the key switch have a fast idle on the control handle i just can not find the &%$#@* I have a feeling the primer mite be stuck in the open pos. when i push the key i do not here any click nor do i feel any thing with my hand on i with some one else pushing the key. I did all this checking yesterday and today it is raining. I will check the to see if i am getting power to if tomorrow. I think this mite explain why after i did get it started turning the red lever to the almost 90 deg cleared the rich running eng. it really smoothed up and ran good.THANK FOR ANY INPUT Donny
 

jonesg

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Joined
Feb 22, 2008
Messages
7,198
Re: orange lever on side of something?

Hard to tell, you never posted the year or model number so..

mine has no hi idle lever , it uses the quickstart system thats programmed into the powerpack. It advances the timing electronically.
 

Joe Reeves

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Feb 24, 2002
Messages
13,262
Re: orange lever on side of something?

If you have the white OMC control box that bolts to the side of the boat, raising a lever on top of the box advances the throttle to a fast idle without putting the engine into gear. If, on the other hand, you have a top mounted console type control, pulling the lever straight sideways then advancing it will accomplish the above.

(Fuel Primer Solenoid Function)
(J. Reeves)

The RED lever...... The normal operating/running position is to have that red lever positioned over top of the solenoid and aimed at the other end of the solenoid, gently turned to its stop. This is the normal/automatic mode position. Pushing the key in opens the valve within the solenoid allowing fuel to pass thru it in order to prime and start the engine. Looking upon this solenoid as a electric choke results in a better understanding of it.

Having that red lever turned in the opposite direction, facing away from the solenoid, allows fuel to flow thru it to the crankcase area. One would only turn the red lever to this position in a case where the battery might go dead and the engine had to be started via the rope pull method. Look upon putting the red lever in this position as moving a choke lever on a choke equipped engine to the full closed position. Either one would supply fuel to the crankcase/engine for starting purposes BUT if left in that position while running would flood the engine.

The later model primer solenoids are equipped with a schrader valve, used for attaching a pressurized can of fogging oil etc, available at your local dealership with complete instructions.

Pumping the fuel primer bulb up hard fills the carburetor float chambers of course, but that process also applies fuel pressure to the primer solenoid.

The two small hoses leading from the primer solenoid branch off via tees to each fuel manifold section that would feed fuel to the individual cylinders.

Pushing the key in activates the primer solenoid to allow fuel to flow thru it to the intake manifold passageways. Cranking the engine over causes the fuel pump to engage which in turn sends fuel pulses to the primer solenoid via the 3/8" fuel hose.

Some engines incorporates the "Fast Start" feature which automatically advances the spark electronically so no advance of the throttle is required for starting.
Engines that do not have the "Fast Start" feature will be required to have the throttle advanced slightly.

Starting procedure: pump fuel bulb up hard, crank engine and push the key in at the same time. When the engine fires/starts, release the key so that it falls back to the run position.

Bottom line..... Look upon the primer solenoid as an electric choke

To check the fuel primer solenoid for leakage to the primer lines, have the RED lever in the automatic run where it belongs, remove one of the small hoses, then pump up the fuel primer bulb. If fuel shoots out, you have a problem.

If all is as it should be as above, and the engine still won't run unless you have the fuel primer solenoid RED lever turned to the manual position...... you're overlooking something within the carburetors.
 

br549dh

Cadet
Joined
Feb 6, 2011
Messages
21
Re: orange lever on side of something?

Thanks Joe that is the most comprehensive answer i have seen yet.. Went out pulled the control lever out sideways and that was it i now have found my fast idle. Also i am not getting power to the primer when pushing in on key with switch in the on pos. So i will have to trace down my electrical problem .Thanks Donny
 

Joe Reeves

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Joined
Feb 24, 2002
Messages
13,262
Re: orange lever on side of something?

On the back of the ignition switch, there should be a Purple/White wire attached to the terminal marked "C". That same Purple/White wire should be connected to the fuel primer solenoid at the engine. When the key is pushed in, you should have 12 volts present at the fuel primer solenoid Purple/White terminal. If you do and the solenoid does not click in, then obviously the solenoid is faulty. If no voltage..... find out why. Let us know what you find.
 

br549dh

Cadet
Joined
Feb 6, 2011
Messages
21
Re: orange lever on side of something?

Hello had a chance to work on it today. I was not getting any power to the primer got that fixed. With all the good instructions i receved had a good understanding of how the primer works and as it turns out it look like i have carb problems.It will not run unless i have the primer in manuel mode or i am pressing the primer button. So i took the carb back off and i soaking them now. I thought i had them clean the first time. Any sugestions on these carbs. Thanks Donny
 

Joe Reeves

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Feb 24, 2002
Messages
13,262
Re: orange lever on side of something?

In the bottom center portion oif the carburetor float chamber, you will find the brass high speed jet(s). Usually cleaning solvent doesn't clean them thoroughly, and if not, clean them manually with a piece of single strand steel wire. Also the slow speed fuel line is usually a small brass line running from the bottom center portion of the upper body upward to the top portion of the upper body... make sure that one is clear.
 
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