Best Way to Start Motor

[Ki Ki]

So we have a new to us 1995 Johnson 30 hp. It runs good, but it has an electric push start choke that's also the key. I believe you can push it in and it will shoot some fuel in or you can hold the choke key in while turning and starting. My question is, here's what I've been doing so far, do you think I'm over choking or under choking?

1. push in choke once, prime fuel bulb.
2. put warm up lever about 1/2 way up
3. push in choke and turn key
4. Usually starts within a couple of tries.
5. Let it run at 1/2 throttle or higher for a couple of minutes, then back it down to neutral.

Would you do anything differently?

 

[robert graham]

Re: Best Way to Start Motor

Try your cold starting routine different ways until you arrive at that "just right" combination for your motor....I know on my Yamaha 90C, I crank for about 2 or 3 seconds, let off on it for a moment and then she'll fire right up!....Go figure!...sorta like dealing with the lady-folks!....only thing, the ladies might change the rules!

 

[dingbat]

Re: Best Way to Start Motor

If your 30hp is like my 200hp, you don't have a choke per say, its a primer circuit.

Pushing the key in activates a solenoid which opens a valve to dump fuel into the intakes. If you have not squeezed the primer bulb there is no pressure to spray the fuel. So.. you push in for choke and spin the engine over at the same time. The fuel pump will provide the pressure to the primer circuit.

1. Squeeze primer bulb until firm
2. Put throttle just above idle
3. Push the key switch in and rotate to the start position simultaneously
4. Starts within a couple of tries
5. Drop throttle back to idle to warm up. Warmed up and ready to go when "quick start" kicks out

 

[seahorse5]

Re: Best Way to Start Motor

A better procedure when the motor is cold is to turn the key to ON after you prime the squeeze ball, then press and hold the key in for about 3 seconds, then remain holding it in when you turn to START

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Best Way to Start Motor

Just eliminate step #1 in your procedure. It does nothing unless the primer bulb is squeezed first.

There are two procedures AFTER you squeeze the primer bulb.
1) Turn the key to RUN and push it in and hold while you count to 8 or 10, then turn to START, OR
2) Just turn the key to START while you hold the key in.

Either procedure will work provided you do the other things the same as you listed.

 

[Fed]

Re: Best Way to Start Motor

I question how much volume at pressure the system can hold after squeezing the primer bulb?

Assuming a perfect non return valve (debatable) on the primer bulb the most you can get is maybe a bit of expansion in the rubber fuel lines and the fuel pump diaphragm.

To me it seems pointless to activate the primer solenoid without the motor cranking over.

At least our old carby 2 strokes have character.

 

[tomhath]

Re: Best Way to Start Motor

Every motor is a little different so it pays to experiment. Two things I've found are:

1) Squeeze the bulb at least a couple of minutes before you try to start so gas has time to fill the carburetor bowl (the pressure bulb will provide enough)

2) Open the throttle, warm up lever at 1/2 is a minimum - my Merc likes a bit more; my chainsaw and weed whacker prefer to start at wide open