55 HP Evinrude Wont Start, Weird

[Tony1205]

Good morning all.
I have a 1980's 55 HP Evinrude outboard that runs great. But when I shut the motor off, like when I get to my fishing spot, and try to start it again it wont turn over.
If I run it out of fuel and then prime the bulb again, it starts like a champ. For some reason if I dont run it out of fuel and shut it off then turn it back on it wont start.
Any thoughts on this?

It has a new impeller, clean carbs, good/new fuel, etc.

Any help is greatly appreciated, this is my first post so if I did something incorrectly let me know.

Thanks,

 

[oldboat1]

"won't turn over" meaning won't start? (i.e., cranks but won't fire up?) If so, you would normally need the usual tests: test compression, measure spark with an open air tester, examine starting procedure. On the fuel issue, maybe the motor is flooding -- maybe a torn fuel pump diaphragm if running premix with a standard pump.

 

[racerone]

If the starter does not operate check the neutral start switch in the control box.----Running out of fuel should not have anything to do with electrical bits.

 

[Tony1205]

Thanks for the responses.
The starter does what it supposed to do but the motor doesnt fire up. It acts as if its flooded.
But when I run it out of fuel - disconnect the fuel line to the motor from the tank and run it until it stops - then hook up the fuel line, prime the bulb, it fires right up.
Would a torn fuel diaphragm do something like this? The fuel pump assy is basically brand new is the only reason im asking.
Thanks again for the help!!

 

[oldboat1]

Well, pump is new. Is it the right pump for your motor, and hooked up correctly. Do you get a gas smell, or other indication it's flooding? Could be a lean condition, maybe an air leak or carb assembly issue. guessing here.

What's the model number?

 

[Tony1205]

I guess its actually a Johnson, has an Evinrude hood.
its model J50BELCTA
Not really a gas smell, other than what you would expect from an older 2 stroke

 

[emoney]

Does the bulb remain firm after priming? When you go to restart it after running, and it won't start, have you checked the bulb?

 

[Tony1205]

Yup bulb stays firm, no issues there. the fuel lines from the tank to the carb are new as well.
it is just so weird, everything is the way it should be when its running, and as long as I run it out of fuel. If i dont then it will not start, just like a flooded motor
Thanks again for responding,

 

[oldboat1]

Try shutting it down. Let it be for a few minutes (check the temp on top of the head, just for grins -- see if it's hot to touch), then try to fire without the hand primer or the primer at the engine. See if it will start.