200xp 1991 starting issue

[TJ87]

I'm having issues with the initial start up. Here is what I do, put motor in water, level motor up, pump primer bulb until hard, turn key on push in to prime 5-8 seconds then continue to hold in while cranking. Some days this works great others not so much. I get one fire then kicks starter out, if I try to restart it takes several attempts of "one fire" to get it to go. Honestly not sure if I'm flooding it or if not enough fuel although I'm leaning towards flooding. Although I have tried without holding key in as well.

I don't seem to have an issue on muffs. I also have better luck if I trim all ths way up and bring prop and exhaust out of water (I know this is not good). Once the motor is warm it fires and runs fist try, idles good and runs good as long as you can get it warmed up. Seems to idle low until warmed up. Also seems that the exhaust back pressure causes it to die if engine is cold. Once I get moving I'm good to go.

What I have done so far. New 91 non ethanol fuel, cleaned carbs., new bowl gaskets, new plugs, new fuel line, fuel filter, new primer bulb, set idle timing per OEM service manual. Also has new: water pump, thermostats, starter, battery, stator, and regulator. (some of this was just maintenance)

 

[TJ87]

Here is a video of what it's doing (if the link works)

 

[Bosunsmate]

I would only push the key in to activate the choke while you are also turning the key

 

[racerone]

Folks just do not know how some simple things work.-----The electric primer is NOT a pump !-------It is a valve that opens when key is pushed in.----Pushing the key in before cranking is a waste of time.----There are other simple steps to take to try and understand a ---" hard to start condition "

 

[TJ87]

I will try without holding key in first bosunsmate.

Racerone - I understand how the valve works, and I've had the lines off and tested it. It WILL put fuel out before cranking from the pressure of the primer bulb. I'm not saying this is the correct way of starting but don't just assume people don't know how something works. Maybe you could list those other simple steps.

 

[racerone]

Good luck with your motor then.-----Yes if the prime the bulb fuel will come out when you first push in the key !!-----On more than one occasion folks have said --" thank you very much for explaining how to start this motor "-----Pushing the key in before cranking is a waste of time !!!

 

[TJ87]

Like I said I will try it with out doing it but no need to basically call me an idiot for doing it. I only started doing it after reading several post on here that stated to do it. I'd be happy to say thank you, but you didn't give any advice; you just said it's a wast of time and I don't understand how simple things work. How am I supposed to say thank you for that? I'm not trying to be a jerk but why start bashing someone before having a conversation with them. Anyways anything else I can try to help this start better?

 

[flyboytwo]

I find it interesting how much controversy this subject generates. I just got what I think is the deal of a lifetime from a boat owner who was frustrated with getting the GT150 VRO started. He said it wouldn't start without spraying something in the air intake. Long story short, he didn't know how to start it.

I am not an expert on the fuel system of the VRO pump assembly but understand the basics like it seems both of you do. The first time I tried to start the 150 I had the motor trimmed all the way up and the previous owner had the air intake cover already off. Not even being aware of the engine not having a choke, I pushed in the key and heard a click. Looking for the choke mechanism to move. I soon found out it had no choke plates! After pumping the bulb and pushing the key in I had fuel running out of the carburetors (motor still tilted all the way up). I then tilted the motor down and put the muffs on. Motor started on the first try. The owner was pissed but he got the asking price for the boat.

I think having the motor tilted up makes it harder to flood these engines regardless of how the fuel is being delivered. I also think people who are used to chokes are apprehensive about flooding because it seems a choke delivers more fuel than the solenoid enrichment circuit but I could be wrong.

 

[racerone]

The nipples for the wee hoses from the primer and on the carburetors have a small bore.----I believe it would be hard to flood a motor with proper operation / use of the primer valve !!----On more than one occasion have I seen people that did not know how to start an outboard.----Some will eagerly learn from experts.----Others will argue !

 

[TJ87]

Does seem to be better not using the primer without cranking. Now I get 10-15 seconds crank while holding the key never fires. Let off primer crank for a few seconds, one fire and dies did this a few times. Trim motor up where prop is out of water and it fires right up (without primer). I immediately trim back down and all is good. This really is driving me nuts, I'm sure I look like a moron at the ramp with prop out of the water starting the engine, also can't be good on water pump. Although water inlets are still in the water.

 

[racerone]

Load test the battery , even if new.----Inspect battery cables.-------Take starter apart for inspection and an ohm check from commutator to shaft.-----Don't know how to work on a starter , than today is your opportunity to learn.