Can't ever start motor without starting fluid, after that its all good

[andrewbabich]

This forum has been great to me. As a new guy with no knowledge of these topics your advice has been excellent guys. Thanks.

1972 50 hp johnson

Next question:
No matter what I do can not get my motor to start without starting fluid or carb cleaner if its been longer than 10 hours since the last start up. It'll start and run all day long, time after time if its been running, but not if its been off for a while. I pull the choke wait a couple seconds, crank the starter for up to 8 seconds and he does'nt ever want to fire. I give it quick spray of carb cleaner now (like .5 seconds) and it fires right up.

I've checked the fuel filter. Looks free and clean.
I've primed the bulb.
The spark plugs look good.
New battery.

I know I've read about the terribleness of starting fluids and carb cleaners, but its the only thing that works. I always try and start it without them so I figure the cylinders are getting some lube and gas on them from that anyway before the spray.

Does the 10% ethanol cause me problems?
Should I add a fuel additive?

Should I take the carbs off and check them? The boat runs fine when its on... Occasionaly it cuts out at idle in the water, but starts right up after. Never cuts out with the muffs on. What would tell me if I do have fuel delivery problems and I am runnning lean?

Running out of wakeboarding season up here in maine. Would love to fix this issue this season.

 

[jonesg]

Re: Can't ever start motor without starting fluid, after that its all good

I think ultimately the answer is to order rebuild kits and do the carb job right, run wire thru the jets and blow it all out with air. Very simple job.

When you hit the choke make sure it seals off the throat real good, should be air tight to draw fuel, make sure the idle jets are clear.

Have you tried, choking it by hand as you crank it?
Opening the throttle and cranking it to get it wet, then close the throttle and try starting it?

They're just stop gap techniques til you do the carbs.
Boating stores sell starter fluid with lubrication in the can.

but...do the carbs.

 

[Lion hunter]

Re: Can't ever start motor without starting fluid, after that its all good

I've had a few motors that it's became a ritual that before I head to the lake I remove the cover, slap the muffs on, start it and let run for 5 minutes. Saves fighting it on the water

Startiing fluid is not recommended. If you start it at home you can keep a small spray bottle with premix in it and use that before you head out. And a carb rebuild never hurts.

 

[mmccoy555]

Re: Can't ever start motor without starting fluid, after that its all good

Other than what's already been said with cleaning or rebuilding the carb I'd look into doing the same with the fuel pump.

 

[andrewbabich]

Re: Can't ever start motor without starting fluid, after that its all good

Thanks fellas. I think I'll take the intake off and look at the carbs this weekend.

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: Can't ever start motor without starting fluid, after that its all good

You may have a toggle switch or a push key in type ignition switch to activate/engage the electric choke. In either case, the starting procedure should be:

1 - Pump fuel primer bulb up hard.
2 - Increase throttle slightly to have butterflies above an idle setting.
3 - Turn key to start position and activate/engage electric choke at the same time.
4 - When engine fires, release pressure on key and/or the electric choke toggle switch.

Is this your primary starting procedure?

Is the electric choke operational?

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Can't ever start motor without starting fluid, after that its all good

What is your starting procedure ???