choke to primer conversion 1978 85hp

[tyl]

Has anyone ever converted their old choke system to the primer solenoid system if so did you have to change carbs and how did you do the hose routing.I have checked everything on my system and I have run out of options. Taking the motor cover off and shooting a shot of gas on a cold start is a pain.

 

[F_R]

Re: choke to primer conversion 1978 85hp

Why in the world don't you just fix the choke? It seems like that would be much simpler and cheaper.

 

[tyl]

Re: choke to primer conversion 1978 85hp

choke does work it snaps completely shut engine has good compression carbs have been taken apart and cleaned. I have run out of ideas.

 

[F_R]

Re: choke to primer conversion 1978 85hp

Throttle "start" position adjusted correctly? Cranking fast enough? Just a couple of thoughts. Other people's motors start without taking the hood off.

 

[tyl]

Re: choke to primer conversion 1978 85hp

brand new battery i have tried all positions with the cold start lever it has a new fuel hose and primer bulb. I pump up the primer bulb till firm move the cold start lever push and turn key to start chokes stay shut motor just cranks and cranks put a shot of fuel in carb and fires right up. It runs good the rest of the day. I want to switch to the other system because I think it will work and also save my starter and new battery.

 

[petryshyn]

Re: choke to primer conversion 1978 85hp

have you verified that both choke valves are tightly closed WHILE CRANKING....

 

[tyl]

Re: choke to primer conversion 1978 85hp

yes i adjusted them so they wold close tight. It is not drawing any fuel from carbs and I am tired of messing with it.I was hoping someone has done the conversion and give me a little help.

 

[petryshyn]

Re: choke to primer conversion 1978 85hp

Have you overhauled the carbs with new gaskets? If the bowl gaskets are ever reused, its possible to set up a small vacuum leak that will effect choke action.....

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: choke to primer conversion 1978 85hp

What kind of shape are the throttle shaft bushings in? I've seen some carbs where those get sloppy and draw air there, particularly when the chokes are closed, resulting in hard starting.

 

[tyl]

Re: choke to primer conversion 1978 85hp

carbs in good shape I have never been able to get this motor started without a shot of premix. This has been an ongoing problem I am afraid to crank this thing too much and burn up my starter or run my battery down.I checked the choke again and it is tight and no start.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: choke to primer conversion 1978 85hp

Throttle "start" position adjusted correctly? Cranking fast enough? Just a couple of thoughts. Other people's motors start without taking the hood off.

Exactly my thought too.

There is a "Start" position on the cam mechanism and just a fraction of an inch will make a HUGE starting difference.

Your true problem may be as simple as a cable adjustment.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: choke to primer conversion 1978 85hp

While your motor should not be that hard to start with a choke, yes to answer your question, you can convert it to a primer system. You do not have to change carbs. You will need the later model carb base gasket which will also serve as the template of where to drill for the nipple in each carb. Not hard at all, done it many times.

 

[petryshyn]

Re: choke to primer conversion 1978 85hp

Are you holding the choke engaged, or are you "bumping" it?
Have you tried having someone manually holding the valves (not the linkage) closed while cranking?

 

[tyl]

Re: choke to primer conversion 1978 85hp

somel questions where is the start position cam? how does the solenoid get its fuel do you tap in off one of the carb fuel lines?

 

[Wishiniwuzfishin]

Re: choke to primer conversion 1978 85hp

Hey tyl.....just wondering what you did with your motor. Did you try adding the choke primer system? I am having the same cold start problems as you with my recently purchased 1974 115HP Johnson. Just will not start without squirting gas/oil mix in carbs. I adjusted my choke and my choke plates are closing TIGHT, and basic troubleshooting has revealed no other obvious problems. There may be a problem somewhere but that will have to wait for a winter rebuild. Just wanted to know if you added the primer and how it worked out? May add one while doing winter rebuild. Or any other fixes you might have found. Thanks.