Proper way to start

[terrywilson88]

Hey everyone,

I have a 1986 90HP Evinrude that start's up great at home but in the water it takes awhile. At home I push the key in once and it try's then I don't push it in it starts right up. In the water I try the same thing and it will not start. I have to wait and push the key back in several times. A'm I doing this right? The boat is a Monarch 16' open bow. The motor runs great after it's warmed up and starts up every time when we turn it off and fish. Do you think I need to adjust the warm up lever?

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: Proper way to start

Look upon the Primer Solenoid as an electric choke. You can see what effect pushing a choke button temporarily would have..... very little.

Starting procedure... Pump fuel primer bulb up hard, increase throttle setting slightly, turn key to START position and push key in at the same time to enagage the primer solenoid (choke). When engine fires, release the key which would disengage the primer solenoid (choke) and put the key in the ON position.

 

[Boss Hawg]

Re: Proper way to start

Seems to me each is just a little different on cold starts?
I've found thru trial & error my '87 70 Johnson likes the bulb firm, key on & pushed in for 5-6 seconds, let out then key turned to start I never use the idle lever (anymore)
You mileage will i'm sure vary

 

[F_R]

Re: Proper way to start

Seems to me each is just a little different on cold starts?
I've found thru trial & error my '87 70 Johnson likes the bulb firm, key on & pushed in for 5-6 seconds, let out then key turned to start I never use the idle lever (anymore)
You mileage will i'm sure vary

Well you are right on one thing, motors vary. Even more so, people and opinions vary. The question usually results in an arguement. The owner's manuals say that Joe is right. But whatever works for you is ok with me.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Proper way to start

The primer solenoid is a valve. When you push the key in you'll hear a "click". When activated the primer releases fuel that's under pressure in the lines. When you squeeze the bulb you create the pressure before the motor starts. When the motor is running the fuel pump creates the line pressure.

The fuel is released directly into the intake. That's the good thing about a primer system, the motor doesn't have to be turning over to supply fuel like a choke system. When fuel in injected into the intake the motor should, if everything is OK, start almost instantly once you hit the starter.

 

[terrywilson88]

Re: Proper way to start

Thanks guys, I always tried to push the key in and turn it over way too long, so I'm thinking it gets way too much fuel and almost floods. I have a manual but could not find the starting procedures. Thanks again.