Pulled the carbs, broke the primer solenoid, huge fuel consumption

waynehol

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Jun 4, 2009
Messages
88
Hi All!
I have a 1988 Johnson 90 HP, Just bought it. I pulled the carbs to check, didnt know how long motor had been sitting. They looked great, all ports very clean, so I didn't rebuild or replace any parts. Just cleaned.

Anyway, I broke the 2 plastic fittings from the primer solenoid that attaches to the line that goes to the carbs. I re-installed the carbs, carefully putting everything back together according to my shop manual.

Since the engine started very easily, I figured I didnt need the primer solenoid today so we went boating.

After running out of fuel when I shouldnt have, I refilled and did a quick calculation and figured I was burning close to 5gal/hr.

Could this have been related to running the motor with the broken connections to the primer solenoid? (I didnt push the key in for "choke" when I starter) OR could I have done something in the reassembling to mess up the fuel consumption?? The motor seemed to run excellently with plenty of power and a great sound.

Any ideas?
Thanks for your input:)
 

ezeke

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Sep 19, 2003
Messages
12,532
Re: Pulled the carbs, broke the primer solenoid, huge fuel consumption

The primer solenoid is just a valve that lets fuel bypass the carburetors and go directly to the intake manifold. If you don't have it working, you would need to clamp the hose off to stop the flow of fuel or you will waste a lot of fuel.

The kit to replace and repair the top is OEM part # 0437,228 or Sierra part 18-0993.

http://www.iboats.com/Johnson_Evinr...2838190--**********.308862118--view_id.503919


If you want to replace or add a Schrader valve, the part is OEM #0175158 or Sierra part # 18-0871.

http://www.iboats.com/Johnson_Evinr...2838190--**********.308862118--view_id.503916

BTW, a 90HP outboard will burn about 9 gallons/hour running wide open.
 

waynehol

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Jun 4, 2009
Messages
88
Re: Pulled the carbs, broke the primer solenoid, huge fuel consumption

eeks. It crossed my mind to clamp that supply hose but I didnt. Would it have "spewed" a leak like under pressure? My gut says yes because it would be coming under pressure from the fuel pump
 

ezeke

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Sep 19, 2003
Messages
12,532
Re: Pulled the carbs, broke the primer solenoid, huge fuel consumption

I don't know what your situation is. It only takes a few minutes with a screwdriver to put a new top on that primer solenoid, so I would just fix it. Most larger BRP dealers should stock the OEM parts.
 

tashasdaddy

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Nov 11, 2005
Messages
51,019
Re: Pulled the carbs, broke the primer solenoid, huge fuel consumption

fix the primer, easy enough. at wide open throttle you motor will burn, between 7 to 9 gallons per hour.
 
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