Hard starting Johson

[sunbird1]

I have a 1990 120 Johnson VRO. I have gone out twice this year and have had a hard time starting it both times. Once it is running, it is fine for the rest of the day. It cranks but won't turn over even with the throttle open all the way. To get it to start, I had to flick the choke over ride switch (little red switch on port side of engine). It started right up after this and then I put the switch back the other way. Any ideas as to what I should check/replace?<br /><br />thanks

 

[outboardjake]

Re: Hard starting Johson

That red lever is part of the primer, this motor doesn't have a choke. The primer ball has to be squezzed to fill the carbs with fuel for it to operate properly by pushing in the key with the ignition on. If that fails, with the key on see if you can hear the primer clicking when you push in the key, if no sound check for voltage one the purple w/ white tracer wire and ground on the primer for voltage when the key is pushed. If there is voltage primer is probably bad, no voltage break in the wire, corroded conection, or bad key switch.

 

[sunbird1]

Re: Hard starting Johson

Thanks for the tip, I'll check it this weekend. One thing I did notice is that the ball used to get semi-hard after 3 or 4 pumps and this time I pumped it more than that and it wasn't getting hard.

 

[sunbird1]

Re: Hard starting Johson

I replaced the primer solenoid without testing for voltage to the line figuring the most expensive fix would be the problem and of course it still does not work. Wasted $65 on a new solenoid. Now I will check the voltage. How do I check the ignition switch. I think there are 4 or 5 terminals on it which one is for the primer? Should I just put a voltage tester on the terminal when pushing in the key? If this checks out ok I will try tracing back the wires and look for a break - like I should have done in the first place, but I was just in a rush to go fishing.