88 Special Primer Solenoid/primer bulb starting issue

[Cady8special]

Hello all,

I just bought a center console with a 1989 evinrude 88 special.

Probem is this-- motor idled low my first time out. I messed around and figured out that if I turn the red tab on the primer solenoid from left to right it speeds up the idle. So I thought that fixed it.

Next time out, I pumped the bulb about 20 times, and it wasn't getting hard- motor would not start, or even sputter in the slightest. I thought back to the red switch, and I flipped it back to the left (left when Looking at motor from inside the boat.) As soon as I did that, I heard gas trickling into the carbs. Turned the key, and it cranked up. However, when I stopped reving it, and just had it idling it stalled. So now, I flipped the lever back to the right, and the idle was fixed, and it was running well.

So, in short- Red tab left allows me to start when reved, but will not idle. Red tab to the right will give me good idle, but seems to prevent the primer bulb from shooting gas into the carbs- hense, no starting ability.

does this make sense to anyone?

PLEASE HELP!!

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: 88 Special Primer Solenoid/primer bulb starting issue

Turning the RED lever away from the primer solenoid is the same as closing the choke on an electric choke model. Your carburetors are fouled, remove, clean, and rebuild them.

(Fuel Primer Solenoid Function)
(J. Reeves)

The RED lever...... The normal operating/running position is to have that red lever positioned over top of the solenoid and aimed at the other end of the solenoid, gently turned to its stop. This is the normal/automatic mode position. Pushing the key in opens the valve within the solenoid allowing fuel to pass thru it in order to prime and start the engine. Looking upon this solenoid as a electric choke results in a better understanding of it.

Having that red lever turned in the opposite direction, facing away from the solenoid, allows fuel to flow thru it to the crankcase area. One would only turn the red lever to this position in a case where the battery might go dead and the engine had to be started via the rope pull method. Look upon putting the red lever in this position as moving a choke lever on a choke equipped engine to the full closed position. Either one would supply fuel to the crankcase/engine for starting purposes BUT if left in that position while running would flood the engine.

The later model primer solenoids are equipped with a schrader valve, used for attaching a pressurized can of fogging oil etc, available at your local dealership with complete instructions.

Pumping the fuel primer bulb up hard fills the carburetor float chambers of course, but that process also applies fuel pressure to the primer solenoid.

The two small hoses leading from the primer solenoid branch off via tees to each fuel manifold section that would feed fuel to the individual cylinders.

Pushing the key in activates the primer solenoid to allow fuel to flow thru it to the intake manifold passageways. Cranking the engine over causes the fuel pump to engage which in turn sends fuel pulses to the primer solenoid via the 3/8" fuel hose.

Some engines incorporates the "Fast Start" feature which automatically advances the spark electronically so no advance of the throttle is required for starting.
Engines that do not have the "Fast Start" feature will be required to have the throttle advanced slightly.

Starting procedure: pump fuel bulb up hard, crank engine and push the key in at the same time. When the engine fires/starts, release the key so that it falls back to the run position.

Bottom line..... Look upon the primer solenoid as an electric choke.

 

[Cady8special]

Re: 88 Special Primer Solenoid/primer bulb starting issue

I thought that due to the age that might be an issue. However, it runs very well once I get it going. Smooth and powerful from idle to WOT. The main issue seems to be that with the primer solenoid in the correct position, the primer bulb will not get hard, and does not get gas into the carbs. I have to flip the solenoid switch to get the gas in, then switch it back. Would this problem have anything to do with fouled carbs?

Thanks

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: 88 Special Primer Solenoid/primer bulb starting issue

Have the RED lever in the normal automatic position.

Pump fuel bulb up hard.

Find one of the small hoses leading from the primer solenoid and remove it from whatever it is connected to (not from the solenoid... the other end).

Turn the key to the ON position (engine not running), and while observing the end of that small hose, push the key in. Fuel should shoot out of that hose.

If fuel does not shoot out of that hose, find out why.

 

[Rick.]

Re: 88 Special Primer Solenoid/primer bulb starting issue

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=305323 From the Top Secret File at the start of this forum. I figure a picture is worth a 1000 words. Good advice above for sure. I would add you should hear you primer click when key is pushed in. Best of luck. Rick.