Problem start 2000 Tohatsu 15hp 4 stroke

[boatster]

Hi,

I recently purchased a used Tohatsu 15hp 4 stroke. The motor is extremely hard to start. Once it gets start it idles and revs fine. If I shut it off and try restarting, sometimes it starts up with a short easy pull but othertimes I have to yank on it about 6 times giving a full extended pull each time to fire it up. I took the carb apart and blew all the ports with carb cleaner. I checked the plugs (clean & gapped properly). I primed the bulb, it gets firm.

I don't think the fuel pump is the problem since the carb bowl is full of fuel. It just seems the carb is not priming the motor well enough when cranking it over.

Also what is the "ANODG" device on top?

Thanks.

boatster

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: Problem start 2000 Tohatsu 15hp 4 stroke

Clean the carb by dipping it in carb cleaner for at least three hours. If you are referring to the doodad with the wires on top, that's the auto choke. Also check the little rubber boot on top of the carb. If it is damaged replace it.

 

[boatster]

Re: Problem start 2000 Tohatsu 15hp 4 stroke

Thanks once again Elvin.

I think you are correct about the carb not being totally cleaned. I'll put it in the carb dip. Its possible that little boot on top needs to be replaced also.

I will post my results.

boatster

 

[boatster]

Re: Problem start 2000 Tohatsu 15hp 4 stroke

Well I dipped the carb body (minus any rubber parts) into the carb dip can for several hours. I put the carb back on and the motor is still hard to start. I have to pull the cord about 10 times before the motor starts. Once its primed the motor starts easily. It seems the carb is just not giving the fuel when the intake is dry. I purposely unprime the motor by turning it over several times slowly to get any gas vapors out and then it will take close to 10 full cranks to get the motor to start again. I wonder if I didn't clean the carburetor enough. I didn't blow any high pressure air through the passages. But I'm considering taking the carb apart again and running through it once more. The rubber boot is in very good condition. The white "anodg" device gets warm while the engine runs, whatever that means.

I know this motor shouldn't be this hard to start. At least I know with alot of muscling it will start reliably. Now it would be nice if I didn't have to throw out my shoulder to get it started.

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: Problem start 2000 Tohatsu 15hp 4 stroke

There is a problem with it. A new engine arrives in the box with the carb completely drained of all fuel residue. They start on the first pull, the first time the fuel line is pumped up. Also, you have to blow high pressure air through the carb when you are cleaning it to make sure the internal passages are clear.

 

[boatster]

Re: Problem start 2000 Tohatsu 15hp 4 stroke

Thanks Elvin,

I'm going to clean it correctly this time. When I looked at the carb it seemed clean but .... yeah. I will fire up the ole compressor this time.

boatster