1973 Evinrude Hard Starting

[SystemF]

I have a 1973 Evinrude 135HP that is the largest pain to start. After starting it runs fine. I run 89-93 octane fuel in the engine. The unit was rebuilt and boared .30 over 2 years ago. There is some fuel leakage around the carb float bowls, but seems to be no vacum leaks. This engine always feels like the gas runs out of it when trailered and then takes FOREVER to fill the bowls back up regardless of the amount of fuel bulb pumping. It's just embarassing when the ramps are full... My battery is ALWAYS 100%. I pump the throttle 2 to 3 times, then lift up on the choke and hold, then I bring the fast idle to max.....to start. ANY ideas to get this thing started faster would be great. My best guess would be timing and or carb gasket replacments? OH what is the oil mixture ratio on this engine EXACTLY.... I was told 32:1.

 

[Solittle]

Re: 1973 Evinrude Hard Starting

Pumping the throttle was what we used to do to the old style auto carbs which had an accelerator pump. Marine carbs do not have them so you do not need to do that.<br /><br />Most 2 cycle motors that I have had take a bit to get running, particularly the older ones. My engines are 1988 and start as you describe until they are warm. Then they will start right up. What I do if they have not been run in a while is start them at home before I head for the ramp. This confirms that they are working and gets the carbs full of fuel. How many times have you been to the ramp and there is mom, dad, three kids and a boat that will not start? If he had only tried to crank it up in the driveway - - -.<br /><br />If yours runs OK after it gets goin, I wouldn't start throwing money at it. Can't help on the oil/fuel ratio.

 

[Kevincad]

Re: 1973 Evinrude Hard Starting

My 1974 135hp is 50:1. This will help with starting, a little. Try opening the throttle lever only a little, about 1/4, choke for a few seconds, let go of the choke while continuing to crank. All this after you pump the bulb up until it is hard.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: 1973 Evinrude Hard Starting

What spark plugs are you using? Get rid of your fuel and get FRESH 87 octane. Get the fuel leak stopped. Use good OE quality oil. Make sure your primer bulb has check valves (doesnt sound like yours does) in it and its installed in the right direction. The older motor like yours have chokes so its a bit to get them going. The newer ones (like SoLittle's) have primers and should start almost instantly.<br /><br />Good luck!