Johnson outboard won't start without starter fluid

[LDid]

I have a 1989 Johnson 60HP. It has been running well so far this year until recently. Only changes that happened was that I noticed the gas cap on the outside of the boat was gone. It goes into a built in gas tank. To install I had to remove the hose to the tank. I probably used the boat once without the cap so possible some water could have got in I suppose.
Suddenly it would crank well but would not start cold. I checked plugs, gas line etc and everything looked good. Spark plugs were staying dry so no flooding. Seems it wasn't getting gas to start so I tried some starting fluid (I have seen posts about that being bad today) but once I did that it starts right up and then runs fine until I troll with the other motor and it gets cold again. However, last night when coming into the dock it stopped when I went to idle. After reading some other posts I am going to check to see if the choke is working. The motor was tuned up in the shop a couple years ago but I have not had carbs cleaned either. I need this motor to be reliable so any help is appreciated so I can get back to catching more salmon.

 

[racerone]

Key is to be pushed in and held in while cranking the motor over for starting.

 

[LDid]

I do that. It was starting perfectly all summer and then a one day after it quit starting. I was just trying to check the choke butterfly but I don't see one on my motor. I see the back one for throttle and then a gold post vertical in the middle.

 

[Scott Danforth]

I do that. It was starting perfectly all summer and then a one day after it quit starting. I was just trying to check the choke butterfly but I don't see one on my motor. I see the back one for throttle and then a gold post vertical in the middle.

then go thru your fuel system and find what is now plugged up.

 

[racerone]

There are no choke flappers on that motor.-----Test operation of the electric primer valve or have your local shop check it !!

 

[LDid]

Thanks racerone. I tried pushing the key in and did not hear any click on the primer valve, I'll try again after work. I can test that by opening the red lever on it and see if it starts that way? I would take it to the shop but they are so busy this time of year here fishing season will be over by the time I get it back. Hoping to get it going myself if possible.

 

[boobie]

Make sure your primer is getting voltage when pushing the key in.

 

[racerone]

Turn the red lever 90 degrees.-----Operate the primer bulb with 2 pumps.------Turn red lever back to the run position.-----See if motor starts.------This does the same thing as you spraying fuel into the carburetors.

 

[LDid]

Before I saw your last post racerone I turned the red lever and was able to start it. I tested voltage and got 11.8 volts but I never heard a click. I"m guessing the primer pump is bad?

 

[racerone]

The primer is NOT a pump.----It is a solenoid operated valve.-----It needs fuel pressure in order to work !!

 

[LDid]

I should hear a click when the primer is activated, correct? I'm not hearing it and it isn't getting the gas so isn't the solenoid most likely bad?

 

[racerone]

Test the operation of the valve !!-----Remove one of the wee hoses at the carburetor.----Push key in while cranking the motor over.----Does anything come out of that wee hose ???

 

[LDid]

Just to update on this. I ended up taking it into the shop and it was the solenoid that had gone bad. It was replaced and starting right up again.