Posted by tothemax on 07/15/13 - 7:25 AM
#1
Well finally got the boat in the water yesterday (too many other projects going on). Ran the motor in the yard without issues for about 1/2 hour but once in the water became really testy and refused to start. After playing with it a bit I found was that if I turned the little red lever on the fuel solenoid to where it leaks a little fuel (towrds the front of the motor) and then prime the motor with the squeeze bulb it would start right up.
I'm a pretty decent mechanic but am not familiar with outboards or very knowledgeable on 2 stroke quirks. This is an older motor and has a had few things rewired on the harness but overall pretty much stock (the VRO has been disconnected and I mix in the tank).
Once it starts it seems to run pretty well. Can someone explain how the lever on the solenoid works and the best way to check if its working correctly. I can only guess that when the lever is forward it allows fuel to bypass the solenoid and fill the carb bowls, definately concerned about the fuel weeping when forward. I can't afford to replace this beast so I'm going to have to get familiar with it.
Will appreciate any help here...
Posted by Marko888 on 07/15/13 - 7:40 AM
#2
I have an 1985 150 Johnson. Though I don't have the exact issue you are experiencing, I can say that mine is also a bit cranky starting, especially after being tipped up and towed to the water. For starting, I choke until it fires. It will take at least 5 tries before it will keep running. Once running, I give it 2-3 minutes of fast idle to let it smooth out, as it runs poorly for these first few minutes. Purrs like a tomcat once its warm. Now that I'm used to this drill, it doesn't bother me. I just have to be patient with it.
Edited by Joe Kriz on 07/15/13 - 10:24 AM
Posted by tothemax on 07/15/13 - 7:52 AM
#3
Thanks Marko,
Yep, once it's warmed up it runs pretty good and with a fresh painted bottom jumped up on plane pretty quick as well. We've had the boat about 2 years now with maybe 20 hours running it (a few tanks of fuel) - so it's still pretty new to me.
Actually saw my own post from last year about the starting procedure... the key has push for choke option - I forgot from last year (duh...).
Edited by tothemax on 07/15/13 - 7:59 AM