Starting Instructions -- 90HP

[Oldsaltydog]

Because I have not been able to get my hands on a 1998 Bayliner or Force owners manual -- as apposed to the aftermarket repair manuals -- I need help with a fairly simple subject: STARTING IT. When it is warm, no problem, one turn of the key, and she purrs. But WHAT ARE THE INSTRUCTIONS WHEN STARTING COLD? How long am I supposed to push in the key for enriching the fuel/air mixture? If I push it in a second or so, the motor stalls, and after repeted tries she does manage to start, but she runs really rough for about 30 seconds. On the other hand, if I push in the key again and again as a try to start it again, I manage to flood the darn thing, it seems. So there must be a happy medium someplace. WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR EXPERIENCE IN THIS REGARD? Please advise. I assume that there is nothing wrong with the motor, but I could be wrong.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Starting Instructions -- 90HP

I turn the key on, then push in for about 3 seconds then release, then turn the key to start.<br /><br />You may have to bump the throttle up into high idle mode for cold starts.

 

[Brooksyde]

Re: Starting Instructions -- 90HP

It may sound a bit basic but have you pumped the fuel line bulb (until it is hard) before attempting to start. I always open the throttle about half way and use the choke. If it does not start after a couple of goes try it with no choke.I am told that old fuel will give starting problems but have no first hand experience of this.

 

[seldont]

Re: Starting Instructions -- 90HP

I have a 95 model 120 Force. To my knowledge they all used choke plates. First make sure the primer bulb on the fuel line is pumped up tight. I set the fast idle about halfway up, turn the key and when it begins to crank I push in on the key to choke it. When it fires I release the key both from starting position and the choke position. If it starts to die I momentarily push on the key just to choke it enough to keep it running. Usually have to bump the choke a time or two in the first 10 or 15 seconds of running and then it is fine. Make sure and keep nad eye on how much you have the fast idle set up. Don't want to over rev!!

 

[Oldsaltydog]

Re: Starting Instructions -- 90HP

Thanks for all your advice. This is an excellent site and I am very appreciative of your responses. Yes, after firming up the priming bulb, I followed ROSCOE's procedural advice, and the motor started without any problems at all and continued to run well. The procedure's plausability had been reinforced by my wife's offhand comment that "I guess that is how we start our new lawn mower," a unit also equipped with a simple fuel enrichment system. Best wishes!

 

[kcole683]

Re: Starting Instructions -- 90HP

quote from roscoe<br />

"I turn the key on, then push in for about 3 seconds then release, then turn the key to start."<br />

Pushing the key in without turning the key to start does nothing on an engine with a selenoid actuated choke. The choke will operate but it doesn't make a difference if the engine is not sucking in the rich mixture.<br /> The key must be pushed and released with key in start to do any good.<br /><br />Quote from seldont<br />

"I have a 95 model 120 Force. To my knowledge they all used choke plates. First make sure the primer bulb on the fuel line is pumped up tight. I set the fast idle about halfway up, turn the key and when it begins to crank I push in on the key to choke it. When it fires I release the key both from starting position and the choke position. If it starts to die I momentarily push on the key just to choke it enough to keep it running. Usually have to bump the choke a time or two in the first 10 or 15 seconds of running and then it is fine. Make sure and keep nad eye on how much you have the fast idle set up. Don't want to over rev!!"

You are are right seldont thumbs up from me.

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Starting Instructions -- 90HP

Spark Chaser:<br /><br />Yep. I dont know how many times Ive seen people doing this thinking that somehow it is "squirting" fuel into the cylinders or something. Ive even almost got into arguments over it. "This is My boat and I know how to start it" Type replies. Ok, sit at the dock.

 

[Oldsaltydog]

Re: Starting Instructions -- 90HP

Thank you for your responses; I appreciate your interest. According to the Clymers manual (pp. 45 and 223), my 1998 Force 90 has a fuel enrichment system, described in detail, backed up by wiring diagrams and photos. In other words, it does NOT have a solenoid operated choke. My visual check, by looking at the Clymer photos and the motor, has also proved the point. So ROSCOE's recommendation makes perfect sense and as far as the key position is concerned, the Clymer instructions for the testing procedures back him up as well --turn to "start" for checking continuity between the ignition and the fuel primer. An on top of it, the "turn the key one stop to start (as Roscoe actually wrote), prime, and turn to run" procedure works like a charm in actual practice. Hope to hear from you again and learn from the experience.

 

[kcole683]

Re: Starting Instructions -- 90HP

My apologies,oldsaltydog<br /> When I read your post I thought your motor was a 1989 not 1998. My experience with up to 92 model Force was electrically actuated choke. If yours has an enrichment system then more power to ya.<br /><br />Happy boating

 

[Oldsaltydog]

Re: Starting Instructions -- 90HP

Just to set the record straight, after much trial and error, the following method works for me almost every time. Again, the motor has a fuel enriching solenoid. Prime the bulb, push the throttle to low to medium idle, turn the key one stop and push it in for about two seconds, and while STILL PUSHING THE KEY IN turn it all the way, and away she purrs -- while my wife no longer hangs her head in shame. Push the key for too long and the motor floods before you can say Noah. <br /><br />Thanks for all your help.