235hp 85 struggle to start

[stuee]

Hi all, i have a 235 ive just purchased that struggles to start unless i use the spray 'start ya bastard'
when it starts it runs ok and starts ok after its just the cold start, any tips / help what to do.

thanks

 

[Bosunsmate]

Re: 235hp 85 struggle to start

Have you listened to your choke solenoid in the engine bay to check it clicks when you use the key to activate it?

 

[stuee]

Re: 235hp 85 struggle to start

hi bosun it is the one that had the button and aparently injects fuel into the carbs, would that make a noise as i cant hear anything and does nothing when i press.

 

[Bosunsmate]

Re: 235hp 85 struggle to start

Yes you should hear a noise as the solenoid in it moves.
Undo a fuel line going to the carbs from it. Prime the fuel bulb then press the choke , see if you get a squirt.
If not try again while cranking the starter
If you get no squirts you will need to check that there is not a problem with the wiring of the choke switch from control to solenoid
If wiring oks then solenoids gone bung

 

[Bosunsmate]

Re: 235hp 85 struggle to start

The noise is like a small click, but its easily heard especially with the motor off.
If you have a multimeter check you get 12v on the +ve wire at the choke solenoid when you press the choke button on.
There will be two wires on the choke solenoid. One will have a wire to ground on the engine, the other will be like a purple colour- thats the +ve.
If you dont have a multimeter, test for power on that +ve line using a car lightbulb or something when you press the choke button

 

[stuee]

Re: 235hp 85 struggle to start

hi Bosun,
I checked over it and it wasnt clicking so i direct wired the + to the battery and it clicked.
I backtracked and opened the control box and found it has 2 black wires on the button, 1 is gnd which is correct the other is cut off and goes no where.
I can see any wires in the loom thats been cut too so not sure where it connects to?

 

[Bosunsmate]

Re: 235hp 85 struggle to start

Thats good the solenoid works as they can be pricey.
The wire to the choke switch is normally a violet and white striped wire.
The button if its for the choke shouldnt have a ground to it, it should just have the positive running through it which goes back to the solenoid for the choke.
That button might be the safety lanyard line switch which has a wire to ground on it, some people cut them as they can short out leaving you and your party stranded.
Have you tried pushing your key in to operate the choke as it might not be on a button at all?

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: 235hp 85 struggle to start

Follow Bosunsmate's suggestion. Pull one of the fuel primer hoses off the hose barb at the top of the upper carb. Squeeze the fuel primer bulb, then turn the key to on. Push in on the key. You should get fuel out of the hose. That engine's a bear to start without the fuel primer system (choke) functioning.