Primer ????

[goodmanmopar]

My 1985 Johnson 40 VRO has a small lever on the side of the engine that I have to flip back and forth to get it to start, I am thinking this is not right that you have to remove the cover and do this everytime you wnat to start the engine, could i have a choke problem

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: Primer ????

Having that RED lever over top of the solenoid, facing the other end of the solenoid is the automatic position. Facing away from the solenoid is the manual position.

Look upon this primer solenoid as a automatic/manual choke...... whereas you are operating it as a manual choke.

This primer solenoid, when operating properly is actuated by pressing the ignition switch key inward, which is the same thing as engaging a electric choke solenoid. Are you doing this?

If not, do so, and let us know what the results are. You can check the circuit and solenoid simply by having someone press the key in (engine not running/hood off) with the key in the ON position while you listen at that solenoid for a click.

 

[goodmanmopar]

Re: Primer ????

Fist off, thanks for the replies to all my rookie questions, they have all been right on.
The selenoid is clicking when the key is pushed in the on position, next time I start it I will leave it in auto mode and try to start it up,

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: Primer ????

When cranking to start, hold the key in until the engine starts, at which point let go of the key.