How practical is a "starter rope" for a 115 HP Johnson?

[Chachi420]

Re: How practical is a "starter rope" for a 115 HP Johnson?

this is a very interesting thread!<br />I have a 1976 115 Johnson outboard (see this thread. My motor also comes with a pull rope to start it manually. I'm wandering if it is able to be pull started alone or does it need battery? Does pull starting make spark plugs ignite? Or do spark plugs require a battery to ignite? Sorry, I'm very ignorant about engines. I feel like I need to know in case the battery or starter ever quit and I need to start the motor.

 

[Chachi420]

Re: How practical is a "starter rope" for a 115 HP Johnson?

heh...I tried to rope start my 115 hp johnson today while on the lake...I didn't even come close to getting it started. Luckily I had a good battery which started it up no problem. I just wanted to see if I could do it manually. Not a chance!!<br />(I did catch 6 catfish though )

 

[deerhound]

Re: How practical is a "starter rope" for a 115 HP Johnson?

I thought I was doing well pulling my little Evinrude 4hp! starts about 3rd pull,with arthritis I'll make sure I have good batteries,I did notice the starter groove on my Evinrude 40hp which starts really easy on key so I would imagine might pull easy, good information though,JBD

 

[ziemann]

Re: How practical is a "starter rope" for a 115 HP Johnson?

A thread from September 2004 has been raised from the dead!

 

[byacey]

Re: How practical is a "starter rope" for a 115 HP Johnson?

I would recommend anyone try and pull start your motor when it's warm, and also try when the motor is cold so you know what it takes and what to look forward to when the need arises.<br /><br /> I found with my 40 when it's warm, I need to enrichen the idle mixture about a 1/4 turn to pull start it, and then lean it out again for best idling once it starts. Knowing the little quirks can save a lot of energy and anguish when the big wave or falls are getting closer.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: How practical is a "starter rope" for a 115 HP Johnson?

years ago fishing the edge of the channel (shipping lane), outgoing tide, 1/2 mile from jetties, 300' anchor out still drifting sea bound, would not turn over, BIG ship coming, wife and 2 kids freaking. 115 johnson. 1 pull of the of the rope in the little bag in the cowl. and the day was saved. they little lady let me buy a new battery bigger battery.

 

[roger3645]

Re: How practical is a "starter rope" for a 115 HP Johnson?

April 6, 2006, pre fishing for a bass tourney on Clarks Hill Lake, GA. Trolling motor battery went so we decided to head in to the dock. Stopped to fish one more hole (no Luck) went to crank her backup but had a dead battery. Could not rope start that 1984 Johnson 140, had to get towed in.

 

[swist]

Re: How practical is a "starter rope" for a 115 HP Johnson?

I could not for heaven or hell rope start an almost new Johnson 115 in perfect working order other than a dead battery. I am in very good physical condition and am stronger than average. When the battery was recharged it started instantly.<br /><br />There's gotta be a reason why there is such a range of replies to the original question.

 

[sloopy]

Re: How practical is a "starter rope" for a 115 HP Johnson?

150 is the biggest I have hand started.

 

[walleyehed]

Re: How practical is a "starter rope" for a 115 HP Johnson?

I've roped my 200 Rude just to show a buddy that was with me that it can be done.

 

[waterinthefuel]

Re: How practical is a "starter rope" for a 115 HP Johnson?

I can't imagine starting anything over a 40. That's why God invented the starter.

 

[jimmbo]

Re: How practical is a "starter rope" for a 115 HP Johnson?

Originally posted by GraphicByNature:<br /> I have a 1970 Johnson 115, and it IS possible to rope start. It did make me, however, wish I hadn't stopped working out. It'll make ya sweat!<br /><br />What made it tough was that it stalled in forward gear and would not kick out until it started. So with the added drag of the drive gears, it was a workout.

The 1969-1972 gearcase would always shift to forward when the engine stopped running. cranking speed was usually fast enough to shift it to neutral.<br /> These engines can be rope started without the ignition key being turned to on. When started this way it will remain in forword gear. During the 70s when I was young, a few kids used to borrow the neighbors boat for skiing during the week when he wasn't there. He always was grumbling how much gas it used.

 

[Gordon Goldie]

Re: How practical is a "starter rope" for a 115 HP Johnson?

My new Etec 90 came with a pull-cord. I've not tried it yet though. turning that wee key is soooooooooooo much easier!