Evinrude 140 Hard Start Question

[gwgautney]

Im asking this question for a friend. He has a 1984 Evinrude 140 J140TLCRD. The compression on it is 120 on all 4 cylinders. The problem he is having is that it is very hard to start at the beginning. It will crank and die 9 or 10 times. After you get it running it runs great and will start right up. He just got this motor about two weeks ago. I was thinking its just the carbs needing rebuilt. Do yall think that's what it is or could it be something else?

 

[racerone]

Is he pushing the key in while cranking it over ???-----Is he pushing the key in when motor starts and falters ?----Is he advancing the fast idle lever when trying to cold start it ??

 

[Bosunsmate]

^"Key In" operates the choke is what racerones getting at;
lots of people arent aware of that at first

 

[emdsapmgr]

That engine is a bear to start if the choke solenoid is not working. Once you push in on the key when cranking the engine, the choke solenoid should open and provide extra fuel into the tops of both carbs via two tiny brass hose barbs. Check that solenoid to be sure it is functioning and that the tiny fuel lines from it to the carbs are not cracked/leaking.

 

[gwgautney]

Choke seems to be operating properly. I have not checked hoses but i will this weekend.

 

[emdsapmgr]

You can verify choke fuel to the carbs by pulling the choke hose off the top of each carb. Prime up the fuel hose bulb, crank the engine and push in on the key. You should see fuel flowing out of the two lines to the top of each carb.

 

[gwgautney]

The motor will crank when you engage choke. The problem is it takes 8 or ten times for it to stay running. It will crank and then die, crank and then die then it will finally pick up and run good. I was just wondering if that is because its an old motor or if it is that the carbs need cleaning or rebuilt.

 

[Fed]

When you sense it's about to die push the key in momentarily, you may have to do that a few times until it stabilizes.

 

[emdsapmgr]

Agree. When the engine is starting cold, it won't stay running unless occasionally re-choked numerous times during the first minute. After that first minute, it's usually warmed up enough to run by itself.

 

[gwgautney]

ok sounds good will try it out and see how it goes thanks guys. Will update with results.

 

[gwgautney]

well that worked like a charm I guess all this time I wasn't using the choke properly either. I would push it in to get it to fire and then let off once it fired. My 175 was doing the same thing as his. thanks again guys