1978 Evinrude 140 HP - Hard Starting

[Homey16]

I have a 1978 4-cyl 140 HP Evinrude outboard. When I can get it started, it runs very well, but it nearly drains the battery when starting cold. Any suggestions? Is there any way I can install soem ort of primer system?

 

[LubeDude]

Re: 1978 Evinrude 140 HP - Hard Starting

Arer you sure you arefollowing corect starting procedure, It shouldnt start that hard?<br /><br />Pump primer bulb untill very hard.<br />Hold choke on while starting, <br />raise the starting Idle lever about half way up.<br /><br />Should start right up.

 

[angus63]

Re: 1978 Evinrude 140 HP - Hard Starting

Are you choking it to start cold?

 

[DJ]

Re: 1978 Evinrude 140 HP - Hard Starting

Make sure the choke plates close COMPLETELY.

 

[Homey16]

Re: 1978 Evinrude 140 HP - Hard Starting

I am following the proper starting procedures (choke, throttle, etc.) I have tried various throttle positions as well. I think I will try a little starting fluid or WD-40. It would be a pain to do that on the water though (what with removing the cover & all).<br /><br />One note though, when I first bought the boat/motor in 1991, it did not have a primer bulb in the fuel line. It started well then. I now have a fuel line with a primer bulb, and I do pump it up.

 

[Homey16]

Re: 1978 Evinrude 140 HP - Hard Starting

I'll take a look at the plates to see if they are closing.

 

[angus63]

Re: 1978 Evinrude 140 HP - Hard Starting

Do not use ether or wd-40. Ether will dry out cyls and wd-40 does not promote ignition anymore.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: 1978 Evinrude 140 HP - Hard Starting

While we're looking at the choke plates, make sure the bulb is pointed in the right direction.

 

[Homey16]

Re: 1978 Evinrude 140 HP - Hard Starting

THanks for the input. Hopefully I will be finished with the move this week & I can try out some of the suggestions.