Hard Starting

[bluedolphin]

1972 Aquasport 22-2 with a 1992 Johnson 200 hp V-6 - It's hard to start after sitting overnight. I usually start by squezzing the bulb about 12 times. No go, then squeeze the bulb another 6 times, and so on. It could be the 4th try by the time the engine starts. After it starts, it's good for the day. What else can I try? My other boat (It's for sale) has got 2 x 454's inboards, and both engines start right up. All of my previous boats have been with twin inboards, so this AS is my first outboard, and I'm still learning how to run with one. Thanks for any and all suggestions.

[GoneFission]

I am assuming this is a carb motor - Are you using the choke/starting valve when you first start the engine?  It sounds like the choke/starting valve is not activating to provide a rich mixture on the cold engine start.  

You activate the choke by either pushing the choke button or pushing in on the key as you turn it to start the motor (some use the key and some have a separate button).  Once the engine starts, you release the button or quit pushing on the key.  Give the engine a little time to run on high idle (1500 RPM or so) and warm a bit - then you should be good to go!

[bluedolphin]

Thanks, GoneFission. I believe it is a carbed motor. Are you saying that I don't have to squeeze the bulb, if I have a choke mechanism. I remember the previous owner pressed a button on the side of the shifter a few times to start, and also to rev the engine without activating the forward gear. But I did that, too, and it's still hard to start.

[GoneFission]

The button is for fast idle - it allows you to bypass the gear shift after the motor starts for warm-up.  

The choke is on the switch on many OMC controls - see if you can push the key in while the switch in the on position.  Move the key to on (not over to start) and push in - you may hear a click in the motor - which is the choke or starting valve.  

You really should get either an owners manual or, even better, a repair manual for your motor - it will explain all this and even have pictures.  I like Seloc (they combine a repair manual with an operating manual).  Here are some on eBay that might work:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/EVINRUDE ... 0252QQrdZ1

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/JOHNSON- ... 6433QQrdZ1

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/JOHNSON- ... 5175QQrdZ1

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Repair-M ... 3001QQrdZ1

Good luck!

[JimCt]

Check with the previous owner.  He may still have the factory docs.

[John Jones]

I have a '93 V6 and they are probably the same.  Is the bulb getting tight?  Mine can sit 2 months and the bulb will get tight after 2 or 3 squeezes.  Either the bulb is not pumping, which would probably be the check valve in the end of the bulb, or you have a stuck carb float.  If it's the float you would flood the hell out of at least one carb with 12 or more squeezes.  If you are squeezing after the bulb gets tight, you are flooding the motor.

Another thing about these motors.  If they sit for a few days tilted up they are hard to start.  The mechanic where I bought it told me that as well as finding out for myself when I forgot and left it tilted up.  I leave mine down except when towing and it always starts after about 3-5 seconds of choked cranking.

[bluedolphin]

Thanks, all. GoneFission, I went ahead and bought one from the eBay links. Thank you for the links. John Jones, the bulb does get tight after 2 or 3 squeezes. If I do flood the carb, what do I do then? I do leave the motor tilted - boat is always on the water. That might account for the hard starting. JimCT, previous owner does not have a manual. Keep the suggestions coming. Thanks again.

[Anonymous]

OK, the 92 has a primer system, not a choke. Here's a simple method that works well.

1- Pump the bulb until firm. This will pressurize the fuel delivery system.
2- Turn the key to the "on" position.  DO NOT activate the starter.
3- Push the key in for a 6-8 count. This will activate the primer solenoid which allows fuel to pass directly into the intake system. The fuel is under pressure from pumping the bulb. The solenoid releases that fuel, there is no need to turn the motor over.
4- After the 6-8 count, turn the key to the "Start" position. The motor should start almost instantly. You may have to tap the primer (push the key in) a few times as it warms up.

The motor has "Quick Start" so there is no need to advance the throttle. It'll do that by itself. Don't shift it until it's warmed up and the rpm's come down to a normal idle.

[bluedolphin]

Thanks, Dhadley. I will try that method tonight.

[Anonymous]

Great, let us know how that works for you. Now, this is all assuming the motor is healthy. If the bulb gets firm in a couple of squeezes, the fuel delivery to the primer and the carbs should be fine.

Good luck!!

[bluedolphin]

Dhadley, that was AWESOME! I followed the steps you laid out, word for word, and the engine started. Thanks a million. By the way, after warming the engine up for 15 minutes, and I shut down, there's a little bit of smoke coming out of a square hole at the back of the engine, just at the bottom of the cowl. What does that smoke mean? There's also a little bit of smoke coming from the prop area. P.S. I ordered a manual for the engine, so I will know the names of these parts once I receive it. Thanks again to everyone.

[Anonymous]

The smoke is nothing to worry about, perfectly normal. Just leftover exhaust (so to speak) in the exhaust path.

Glad that works for you as good as well as it works for us.