primer solenoid ills

[fireman57]

1997 90hp Johnson with vro disconnected. Mixing 50:1. Primer solenoid clicks but does not prime so I know that I am getting juice to it. I can turn the red handle on it and engine starts right up, turning it back to run once it warms up a tad and engine runs flawlessly. I am assuming either one of the small fuel lines on it is clogged. Wondering if removing the vro would have anything to do with it not working as none of those lines were touched. To get to it you have to have the fingers of an elf and my old hands don't work like they used to. Just hoping that there is an easy fix to it.

 

[flyingscott]

If it works with the lever turned your fuel line is not plugged. The primer only lets fuel through when the motor is turning over. This is because the primer is only a valve that opens and closes nothing more. When the motor turns over and the key is pushed in the fuel pump pushes fuel through the primer into the motor. So the key needs to be pressed in while the motor is turning over.

 

[racerone]

Testing is what you have to do.--With engine running and warmed up what happens when you push the key in ?----Or test it like this.--Remove the wee lines , but not at the primer.-----Push key in with ignition on.----Have an assistant operate the primer bulb on the hose.----Fuel should squirt out the wee lines.----The key is to be held in while cranking the motor over.

 

[fireman57]

Glad to know the lines are not clogged. Might still try backtrack them from the solenoid and see if they squirt.
Have tried to start with the key in and it will not fire, just click. Turn the red lever though and fires right up. When running pushing the key in makes no difference.

 

[jakedaawg]

It's pretty simple to remove solenoid and inspect. Just a screw or two. It does have serviceable parts such as the cap gasket spring and valve

 

[racerone]

There is something wrong with the primer valve.----That unit is not a pump.----Take it apart and see what is wrong.----It may have a filter of sorts in there too.

 

[Ric Flair]

I have a 2003 Johnson 90 which was a beast to start when cold. I ordered a primer solenoid rebuild kit and and replaced the little red lever and O rings,the rubber gasket, and new base. everything for less than $20. Engine popped right off. Problem solved. Should have done this two years ago.

 

[fireman57]

A small piece of junk was in the line not letting enough fuel in. Doesn't take much evidently. It was a bugger to get to though on the back of the toon. I am now officially a contortionist. A sore one, but one none the less.