Sneezing when cold

[Jkurtz29]

Lately when I first start (cold) my 89 175 HP Johnson, it sneezes itself out a couple times before running like a champ. Is this normal? What is the cause? What is the fix? Is this hurting my engine? How serious is it? I'm new to this stuff so I appreciate the "for dummies" advice.<br /><br />Jason

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Sneezing when cold

From your post we assume that it just started doing this. Start with a good carb cleaning and install factory kits especially if its been sitting. <br /><br />Had the linkages been adjusted lately? A throttle cable replaced? Different grade fuel? Make sure its fresh fuel too.<br /><br />Good luck!

 

[Jkurtz29]

Re: Sneezing when cold

I'm sure the linkage has not been checked for a while as the previous owner said he's never touched any of that. I use the boat about 2-3 times a week and the problem just started. I same gas has always been used. Is the carb cleaner something a novice can do? Isn't it just a spray? I have a manual but it's a little technical for me and I would be crushed if I screwed something up.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Sneezing when cold

A spray cleaner will work but its better if they are soaked. If you are inclined you should be able to do it yourself. The factory manuals are best in my opinion. They'll walk you right thru it. they also have the best coverage of the sync and link proceedure.<br /><br />Good luck!

 

[Jkurtz29]

Re: Sneezing when cold

One last question. Am I doing damage to my engine for not having this done right away? I have a tournament I want to participate in this weekend but won't if my engine is being hurt. Thanks for your patience and help with this.<br /><br />Jason

 

[DJ]

Re: Sneezing when cold

Jason,<br /><br />What Dhadley is saying, I think, is that you do NOT want to use the spray type carb cleaner by spraying it in the carbs, while on the engine. Ony use it for cleaning disassembled carbs.<br /><br />You should get this looked at pretty soon. In the meantime, remove your spark plugs and look at them. They should all look the same. If one or two look noticeably different than the rest, best not use it and find out why.

 

[rjarreau]

Re: Sneezing when cold

ok here is a few things to try . remove the carb covers and look at the carbs when it is first started up and cold. put the ear muffs on it. and start it. look to see which one is sneezing. it will be visibe, it will shoot out a fog of gas vapor. now after you locate the guilty one remove the carb and get a carb kit for it to start with. now with the carb removed look in the hole where the carb was and look at the reed valves. if they are not seated against the reed block then this is your problem and look to see if you can see a broke gasket on the reed block where it mounts to the throttle body. the shound you are hearing is crankcase pressure comming out of the carb. if you remove the carb cover and see a foggy gas vopor comming out of one of the carbs. this will be the problem . bing it to a mechanic!!!! good luck my friend !!!