18hp johnson seahorse--hard starting.

[bckraemer]

Hi I have an 18hp 1958 Johnson seahorse(FD-12). Its a pullstart. I've had this outboard for about one season now and it has performed well for me. However, it has become progressively harder starting over the past month. It has never been an easy pull, but usually started on two or three pulls. Now it usually takes at least a dozen pulls and sometimes 20 minutes of continuous yanking to get it going. This is taking a toll on my shoulders. I checked the plugs and they look fine, the gas is fresh 89 octane no alcohol, and the mix is good. Once started it runs great at all speeds, although it is hard to start again once its cooled down even a little bit.<br /><br />What else should I check to try and correct this hard starting problem? I'm on a limited buget (else I'd have a nice new yamaha) so cheap fixes would be best for me.<br /><br />Thanks alot,<br /><br />Brian (the young man with bursitis in both shoulders from his outboard).

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: 18hp johnson seahorse--hard starting.

Hi Brian,<br /> Typically, hard starting on a normally reliable starting motor is caused by a fuel problem. I'd start at the tank and work your way though the system checking filters (there's one in the bottom of the tank pickup and one on the motor), fuel lines (cracked?), carburetor (dirt? gum?) and the fuel connector (o-rings inside the openings). <br /> Second item to look for if the fuel system check doens't fix it is your point gap. It may have closed up a bit - set them at .020" with the flywheel key lined up with the cam rider of each set of points. Make sure they're clean, too.<br /> Third item might be to check the compression. It's an old motor and it may just be getting tired. It's worth a check with a gauge if you can borrow one.<br /> Best part is that none of this costs anything to check (assuming you have some basic tools).<br />- Scott