Starter; 1992 90hp V4 Johnson

[Bozol]

Hello,

2 things:

1) More and more frequently I'm having to take my cover off and bang on the starter motor to get it to work (i.e. there's current to the starter but it doesn't do anything; after banging it engages and starts).

What's going on?

2) The engine takes a really long time, with a lot of attempts, to finally get going. I think its a fuel issue, but could it be the starter? Could a bad fuel pump be the problem? I know the motor is getting enough gas - just went through all that (check Bozol's other posts).

Any thoughts?

Bozol

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Starter; 1992 90hp V4 Johnson

90% of starter problems are bad connections. remove and clean both ends of the battery cables, so that they are shiney, also the cable from the solenoid to starter. check for nicks in the cables. and make sure the connectors are on the wire good. the cable tend to corrode from the inside out, if nicked, corroded wires, and connections, heat up and cause resistance to the follow of electricity, thus the starter doesn't get enough. you can also take jumper cable pos battery post to large post on starter. with a good connection, the engine should spin. then if the starter is good clean everything and retest. then trouble shoot solenoid. starters can be rebuit at a starter/alternator shop, much cheaper than a new one. also have the battery load tested at an auto parts store.


you could have dirty carbs, or the motor not turning fast enough. they have to turn +-300 rpms to start.

what exactly is your starting procedure, step by step. human error most of the time is at fault.

 

[Bozol]

Re: Starter; 1992 90hp V4 Johnson

1 - tilt engine into water
2 - pump until ball is hard
3 - turn key with choke.
4 - turn key with idle high
5 - turn key turn key turn key turn key until enough gas goes through that the engine finally 'catches' and I can turn the idle throttle really high.

Am I doing something wrong? Why do I need to bang on the starter sometimes (i.e. to get the little gear to pop up and spin the main engine)?

Sometimes after starting when I change gears the engine stalls out. Could it be the fuel pump?

Cheers,

Bozol

 

[HighTrim]

Re: Starter; 1992 90hp V4 Johnson

The proper starting procedure is:

Pump ball till hard
Raise fast idle lever
Engage choke for a count of 8 (either holding in key or toggle switch)
Turn key

May need to feather choke a bit when it starts to die.

Brushes in starter may be sticking, may need a rebuild. Ensure alll connections are wires are clean and not rotted. Ensure battery is fully charged.

 

[ezeke]

Re: Starter; 1992 90hp V4 Johnson

edit

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Starter; 1992 90hp V4 Johnson

Sorry Ezeke -- with the primer bulb pumped up firm holding the key in for an 8 count has every bit as much if not more merit as holding the key while cranking. Both processes allow fuel into the intake. The advantage of doing it "before" cranking is the fuel enters the engine without cranking so the engine spins less. It works equally well on Mercs with primer systems. It is an excellent starting procedure. Of course, that process doesn't work if the fuel system is not pressurized first. That is exactly why the primer system has the red lever which enables you to manually prime the engine should the starter, battery, or primer solenoid itself fail. Flipping the lever allows the primer bulb to squirt fuel right through the solenoid without it being activated. When the engine starts - flip the lever back.

 

[ezeke]

Re: Starter; 1992 90hp V4 Johnson

edit

 

[ezeke]

Re: Starter; 1992 90hp V4 Johnson

edit

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Starter; 1992 90hp V4 Johnson

my OEM manual for the 1988 88spl & 90 hp. say hold for the 8 count, then start.

 

[ezeke]

Re: Starter; 1992 90hp V4 Johnson

What page is that on please? Owners manual or Service?

 

[ezeke]

Re: Starter; 1992 90hp V4 Johnson

To save time, here is the clip from page 7 of my 1988 Owners Manual, Part number 431726.

 

[ezeke]

Re: Starter; 1992 90hp V4 Johnson

ttt

 

[ezeke]

Re: Starter; 1992 90hp V4 Johnson

well?

Joe Reeves: "Where do these weird and incorrect instructions come from?"

I must assume that someone is responsible! Could it be you?

 

[ezeke]

Re: Starter; 1992 90hp V4 Johnson

Edit

 

[ezeke]

Re: Starter; 1992 90hp V4 Johnson

ttt