140 hp Evinrude won't start

[Noosa1234]

Hi All,

Am having trouble starting my motor, has been stored on its side for 6 months while boat being restored. Have connected all wiring and the motor won't start. Any help appreciated as was working fine when mounted to boat before restore.

Many Thanks

Damo

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: 140 hp Evinrude won't start

What year is this engine?. Is this a crossflow 140 or a looper 140?

 

[Noosa1234]

Re: 140 hp Evinrude won't start

Its a 1979, not sure is a looper or not.

 

[mark1961]

Re: 140 hp Evinrude won't start

A '79 model would be a crossflow.....

Assuming you remembered to put the kill switch "key" in place.......check for spark first with spark tester.

 

[Noosa1234]

Re: 140 hp Evinrude won't start

i just have a key that you start the boat with, what do mean by kill switch?

 

[Noosa1234]

Re: 140 hp Evinrude won't start

The engine will turn over, but it wont fire up. As far as im aware l have connected all the cables correctly to the engine. Starter cable - thick white wire to top of starter relay, black thick cable from negative to engine block and thin black cable from negative to same earth on engine block. The trim on motor works fine, but trim gauge isn't working anymore which is weird as working fine prior to motor removal from boat. Just cant work it out?????????

As far as im aware l have also connected all the cables correctly to the power box located under the transom. I didn't remove the engine from the boat myself as had another person do this and l have just followed there instructions as they live elsewhere and not close enough to come refit for me. Any help very appreciated. Also l hope that l have refitted the control cables correctly.

Thanks

Damo

 

[boobie]

Re: 140 hp Evinrude won't start

Check the spark with an open air gap spark tester set at 7/16 ".

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: 140 hp Evinrude won't start

Load test the battery. That engine must crank at least 200-250 rpm's in order for it to develop enough voltage to fire the ignition system. If it cranks too slowly, it won't generate any spark. The 1979 control box for the power trim is wired directly to the battery, separate from the engine. Those two components will function/operate independently from each other. Not sure just how your trim sender is wired, since it usually is wired direct to the gauge on the dash. The dash gauge may draw it's power from the other dash gauges-not from any source on the engine. There is a website for wiring diagrams. Mastertech Marine -- EVINRUDE JOHNSON Outboard Wiring Diagrams I don't see any wiring info on the remote trim box for 1979. The 1980-81 diagram will be most similar to your engine. There should be a wiring diagram for the trim system-glued into the inside of the cover for the trim box- put in at the factory.

 

[kahuna123]

Re: 140 hp Evinrude won't start

That motor really has to spin to start. Especially cold.

 

[mark1961]

Re: 140 hp Evinrude won't start

i just have a key that you start the boat with, what do mean by kill switch?

One of these.....MARINE KILL SWITCH LANYARD-MERCURY JOHNSON HONDA YAMAHA TOHATZU NISSAN EVINRUDE | eBay

Without it in place the motor will crank but have no spark.....you obviously dont have one though so disregard.

 

[Noosa1234]

Re: 140 hp Evinrude won't start

Thank for all your posts regarding the engine not starting, have checked spark and all ok, have also have fully charged battery and still no fire up and really not sure what else to do as my mechanic charges me a fortune and looking at fixing myself with the help of you clever people on this forum. Any other suggestions much appreciated.

Many Thanks

Damo

 

[mark1961]

Re: 140 hp Evinrude won't start

It needs spark, fuel, compression/air to run.....does the primer bulb get firm when you pump it up......pull one of the plugs immediately after cranking and check that fuel is making it into the combustion chamber.

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: 140 hp Evinrude won't start

Agree, follow mark's suggestion. When trying to start the engine-you normally choke it and raise the fast idle lever on the control box. After cranking in this fashion for 20 seconds, pull a couple of spark plugs. Are they wet or dry? That will tell you something. Wet plugs=no spark. Dry plugs=no fuel.

 

[CumminsDriver]

Re: 140 hp Evinrude won't start

I would rebuild the carburetors man if it has good compression and good spark get the carb rebuild kit rebuild them put in a new fuel filter, fuel lines, new plugs etc what ever you choose and that thing will run like day one when it was brand new... Also if it has a priming solenoid system you need to make sure it is priming fuel to all the carbs when you push the key in otherwise it will not start. If it has a choke lever forget what I said about the priming solenoid, just make sure to choke the engine.

Hope this helps.

 

[jemesiz]

Re: 140 hp Evinrude won't start

Any luck,,, I have a similar problem. Good compression and is getting spark and the plugs are wet. Premix 120 Looper BTW.

 

[urugol]

Re: 140 hp Evinrude won't start

You need to pull that choke plate manually I had this engine it would be a nightmare to start at times. Pull the cowling and flick the choke switch on top of the right side top of the carbs towards you. Prime that bulb hard. Kick it over if it sputters as if it's going to start and dies straight away, go back and flick the choke switch back to the off position and try start it again - it should fire. It may be a 2 person job for that first start as well, you may have to get someone to man the throttle while you are kicking it over.

good luck.

 

[jemesiz]

Re: 140 hp Evinrude won't start

Thanks but mine is a looper... no choke, just a primer.

I should actually start a new thread.

 

[urugol]

Re: 140 hp Evinrude won't start

Thanks but mine is a looper... no choke, just a primer.

I should actually start a new thread.

I was responding to the OP. Your problem must be spark/ignition related or compression - carbs primed with fuel will start easier than choke.