1998 Johnson 225hp cold start problem

[Johnnybocc]

I have a 1998 Johnson's Ocean Pro which I have trouble with cold starts. It wants to kick over but takes 15-20 tries. It smokes excessively at startup. Once started it will run fine the rest of the day. Even after I shut the engine off it will start right back up with no problems.<br /><br />Any input would be greatly appreciated.

 

[DHPMARINE]

Re: 1998 Johnson 225hp cold start problem

Are you squeezing the primer bulb first ?<br /><br />Do you push in the key to work the primer (choke) while cranking.It makes a noise when you push in the key.Does nothing unless the engine is cranking.<br /><br />Some V6 engines need a second primer bulb squeeze to get going.They at least fire a few times at first.<br /><br />DHP

 

[Johnnybocc]

Re: 1998 Johnson 225hp cold start problem

Originally posted by DHPMARINE:<br /> Are you squeezing the primer bulb first ?<br /><br />Yes, I sqeeze it 2-3 times.<br /><br />Do you push in the key to work the primer (choke) while cranking.It makes a noise when you push in the key.Does nothing unless the engine is cranking.<br /><br />Yes, I push the key in to open the choke. I tried it without doing this also with teh same results.<br /><br /><br />Some V6 engines need a second primer bulb squeeze to get going.They at least fire a few times at first.<br /><br />I do go back re-prime the bulb a few times.<br />The primer bulb is always soft. I don't know if it should get hard at some point.<br /><br />Thanks, John<br /><br />DHP

 

[Dhadley]

Re: 1998 Johnson 225hp cold start problem

Welcome!!<br /><br />We assume this is a carb'd model. The bulb should get firm. It may not if its an aftermarket type without check valves.<br /><br />Anyway, here's the deal;<br />1- Pump the bulb to pressurize the system.<br />2- Turn the key to the "On" position. Do not engage the starter.<br />3- Push the key in to activate the primer and count to 8. That will release the fuel thats under pressure into the intake. The motor does not have to be turning over or running to introduce fuel into the motor as long as there is pressure in the line.<br />4- Turn the key to the "Start" position to engage the starter.<br /><br />The motor should start almost instantly. You may have to bump the primer (commonly called "choke") a few times until it warms up. When it starts it will be in Quick Start mode. When the motor is warm the rpms will come down and you can safely shift into gear.

 

[DHPMARINE]

Re: 1998 Johnson 225hp cold start problem

Okay..<br />Reread my post, as you may have missed a bit.<br /><br />2 or 3 squeezes of the primer bulb won't always work.Especially on a V6.Usually 10 or 12 pumps.<br /><br />Then crank.Then push the key in for 'primer'

 

[Stripey]

Re: 1998 Johnson 225hp cold start problem

I have the 115Hp Ocean Pro and I start as follows. Pump bulb until hard; turn key to on; press in and turn to start simultaneously, motor fires after about 5 seconds; return key to on position and give a quick prime otherwise motor usually dies; sometimes I have to prime it a couple more times. I would be concerned about flooding the engine if I held the key in for 8 seconds prior to starting?

 

[seahorse5]

Re: 1998 Johnson 225hp cold start problem

Since your motor is a '98 model, your key switch should have the clip for the "kill switch" that physically turns the key to OFF. If that clip is not installed, when starting the motor and pushing the "choke" in, it is very easy to have the key turn to OFF when you let go of it. Make sure you have the "kill switch" clip in place before starting the motor. You will see what a difference it makes.<br /><br />Also make sure that your battery, cables, connections, and starter motor are in perfect shape. That motor has to crank 350 rpms or more to generate enough "juice" to make a hot ignition spark.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: 1998 Johnson 225hp cold start problem

Theres no need to worry about flooding the motor when the flywheel isnt moving. Once you activate the primer ("choke") all it does is release the fuel thats under pressure thats in the primer side of the fuel delivery system. The fuel in the carb bowls remains there. It may stop flowing before the 8 count but thats a good starting point. As you get accustomed to the proceedure you may find that a 6 count or 5 etc is all thats needed on any given engine in any give weather condition.<br /><br />Keep in mind that if you activate the primer with the motor running or the flywheel turning over it will continue to release fuel as long as the fuel pump supplies pressure.

 

[Stripey]

Re: 1998 Johnson 225hp cold start problem

Well there you go I learnt something new. I will try this starting procedure next time. The only trouble I have starting this motor is when hitting the primer after it has been started(flooded) and trying to start with excess tilt on the motor. It does not like starting in this condition.

 

[Johnnybocc]

Re: 1998 Johnson 225hp cold start problem

Thanks for the responses. MUCH APPRECIATED!

 

[Cricket Too]

Re: 1998 Johnson 225hp cold start problem

Stripey, if you hold the primer a little longer as Dhadley suggests, you shouldn't have to bump the primer in, or as much to keep it running, unless your starting in cold weather. When it's 30 degress out I usually pump the primer until hard, then push the primer in for 5-8 seconds, then pump up hard again and prime again, before starting. This usually gets it going first crank, otherwise it will not start.

 

[Stripey]

Re: 1998 Johnson 225hp cold start problem

Thanks for the advice also. And I agree that it does not like a lot of primer once the motor has started. It only happened to me once I learnt my lesson. Is it common to give a bit of fast idle when starting these engines?

 

[CARLOS]

Re: 1998 Johnson 225hp cold start problem

Hi,<br /><br />I´ve experienced the same situation with 225 Johnson 1989; but in case of me, my engine does not have spark in cold condition during the first cranking attempts. After 10or 15 cranks, suddenly the engine starts...The choke is working good..confirmed!! No fuel problem...<br /> After the engine is hot, it´s starts OK during whole day. <br />A frind of mine, told me to replace the Power Pack...But I´ve replaced and the same situation at cold...no spark...<br />Another friend told me to replace the stator & triger..etc... What really do I need to replace to solve this problem?<br />I´ve got a 225 1989 Johnson...in general good conditions...<br />Please any help...!!!<br /><br />Best Regards<br /><br />Carlos Eduardo<br />Venezuela

 

[Dhadley]

Re: 1998 Johnson 225hp cold start problem

Stripey, the V6 loopers from 1988 on (newer) have the Quick Start feature. They rev up slightly when first started just like your car. Once the temp comes up, the revs come down.