1988 Evinrude 14 HP SPL — HELP

[Moboater33]

I have a 1988 Evinrude 14 HP SPL that I recently bought, when I purchased the motor it started right up when demonstrated in just 2 pulls. Now that I’m home and tried starting it up about 2 weeks after purchasing it I cannot seem to start it. The engine does not even attempt to start up when I pull it. I checked the spark plugs to see if they were wet with fuel and they appeared to be, so I would assume it’s not the fuel or carb. Does anyone have any suggestions on what to do or try so I can get this motor running?

 

[Daviet]

You need to start by checking spark, not using the plugs as a tester, by using an air gap tester. I think your engine has a primer instead of a choke, are you priming it properly?

 

[Tim Frank]

Is the emergency stop clip in place?

 

[Tim Frank]

Is the emergency stop clip in place?

 

[flyingscott]

What is your starting procedure?

 

[Moboater33]

I’ve been checking to make sure the primer bulb on the fuel line is pressurized, then priming it with the primer and opening the throttle wide open. Then pulling to start, although it won’t start. The emergency stop was disconnected according to the guy that I bought it from, I have been putting an extra I had laying around though just in case. I will attempt to try and check for the spark.

 

[racerone]

Disconnect the emergency stop that you put on.

 

[ajwdoc01]

The combination of a impeller housing for a 14, 25, or 28 HP Johnson, combined with a DY-1 331189 thermostat housing for a 15 HP Johnson, convinces me that the serial number and cowl cover less, Johnson I have, that 2 long time Johnson outboard mechanics said wasn't a 15 HP or 20 HP, is a 14 HP SPL 1988-89. Starting it was difficult in beginning till I realized that the choke is backwards, as shown in pictures above it. You push the choke in a couple of times and can hear gas squirting into the carburetor "primer"? then leave it in for starting. As stated in Forum elsewhere, Johnson used year end parts by putting a 15 HP engine on a 25 HP skeg and labeled it 14 HP to show not a 15 HP. Mine has always run great. Launches my 14 ft aluminum boat.

 

[racerone]

Those 14 HP " special " models was a way of clearing / selling old part inventory.----Simple as that.