Starting: Flooding or starving - How can I tell ?

[Dave512]

Hello -<br />I have a 1996 Evinrude, 25hp 2 stroke. Bought last year used and it has very low hours. <br />I have had a hard time starting it. Once started it runs great. WOT and idle are no problems.<br />I have an OMC bulb and not an aftermarket. I have new plugs installed too. Battery is new.<br />Some of the older posts here helped, but I still am having a problem.<br /> <br />Starting procedure:<br />1)I first squeeze the bulb with arrow pointing up until firm.<br />2) I lift up idle lever <br />3) I pump key in 2-3 times for electric primer <br />4) I turn key while pushing in to start.<br />Nothing for about 5-7 turns of the key and until I keep fiddling with key and primer/no primer until finally it coughs and catches. Once caught, I usually have to push key in a few times to stop it from quitting. I can't seem to figure it out for the next time. <br /><br />I am not sure if I am flooding it or it is not getting enough gas. How can I tell ?<br /><br />Any recommendations are appreciated.<br /><br />Thanks,<br />Dave

 

[jim dozier]

Re: Starting: Flooding or starving - How can I tell ?

Check to see whether this model engine ( Check your manual,I don't know your engine) has an electric choke or an electric "primer" on the carbs. Electric primers will squirt some gas in even if the engines not running, electric chokes must be activated during the cranking sequence. So if you have an electric choke pushing the button before you crank won't do anything. If it has an electric primer make sure you using it correctly. Also, are you pumping the fuel bulb (the bulb in the fuel line) till its firm before cranking? <br /><br />Squirt some premix in the carb throats and see if that helps. If it does you are too lean at starup. If it doesn't you may be flooding it.

 

[alcan]

Re: Starting: Flooding or starving - How can I tell ?

Hi Dave <br />If you have to bump the key/primer after starting to keep it running then you are not flooding. If you had a flooded condition bumping the primer would make things worse. For a cold start try lifting the warm-up lever more, or if already at max try less. The most important part of the lever is not so much throtle but timing. This sets the timing for the easiest start. Now on to the fuel issue. After priming the bulb good and thight, try holding the key in three to four secs, then while holding turn to start. Give 3-4 good cranks, The motor should pop. Once you get the motor to pop,you usually do not need to prime more. If the first 3-4 cranks do not produce, pause a few secs, and repete. To start most 2 stroke motors we first have to fill the crankcase with air/fuel mix, then the cylenders this takes a couple/three cranks. When warm there is usuall enough air/fuel still traped in the crank case and ready to go. All that is needed is to crank engine.