Evinrude 48 Special question

[woodduck110]

Hello, I'm new to outboards and have recently bought a boat with a 96 Evinrude 48 special outboard. I am wondering what is the function of the red switch on the side of the engine. When I start the motor I have to flip it forward first to get it to start, and then switch it back so it can run. I'm assuming it has something to do with the carbs. thanks for any info!

 

[racerone]

That is the electric / valve primer.-----Takes the place of old time choke flappers.-------The red lever is for manual operation.-------The red lever must be inline with the valve body for it to run.-----Are you pushing the key in while cranking / starting to operate that primer.

 

[woodduck110]

Yes when I first go to start it I press it in and release. Should I be holding it in every time I turn the key to try to start?

 

[boobie]

When your turning the motor over to start it hold the key in until it starts and after it starts you may have to feather it to keep it running.

 

[woodduck110]

Ok I tried starting in with pressing in the key when I turn it, the motor just spins. I'm having to flip that red switch on the motor forward to get it to start and then flip it back. Does the same even if I choke it with the lever on the controls. When I press the key up should I hear a click? mine doesn't but I know some engines do.

 

[racerone]

There is no " choke lever " on your control box !---The small lever is a throttle only warm up lever.------When you turn your ignition switch to " on " and push the key in you should hear a click.--If you do not hear that ckick then the electric primer valve may be defective.

 

[woodduck110]

Ok gotcha. not hearing a click so I guess that's the problem. Thanks for the info

 

[woodduck110]

Ok so I had the electric primer tested and it works fine, its just not getting anything from the control box. Since I'm not hearing a click I'm guessing it could be a faulty ignition switch?

 

[boobie]

Or a loose or broken wire.

 

[woodduck110]

replaced the ignition switch and all is functioning well now..whew.