Starting Issue 1998 Evinrude 90HP

Lindanel

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Aug 12, 2009
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I have a 1998 Evinrude 90HP E90TSLECM. Im having an issue when the engine is warm where it turns over fine, but doesnt start. I figured out if I remove the pressure from the fuel line, (which I do by turning the red arrow/rich, lean switch on top of the primer solenoid to the left, then back to the right), she starts right up.

Any ideas where I may start to troubleshoot this problem. I just ordered a fuel pump rebuild kit, but Im also thinking it may have something to do with a stickly float in the carb?

Your replies will be greatly appreciated!
 

Chris1956

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Mar 25, 2004
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Re: Starting Issue 1998 Evinrude 90HP

When you move the fuel primer to the manual position, doesn't the motor get a bunch of fuel dumped into it, like you were choking it? Sure sounds like it.


Why not try the elec choke? It should have the same effect.
 

Chris1956

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Re: Starting Issue 1998 Evinrude 90HP

Alright, that was not too helpful. I think you ought to approach it methodically. Check spark when it is hot. Check cranking voltage on starter solenoid when cranking hot motor. Examine carbs for overflow or sticky floats.
My '98 Johnny 150HP has a similar issue. I advance the throttle in neutral, and run at high idle for a minute or so to clear it up.
 

Lindanel

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Re: Starting Issue 1998 Evinrude 90HP

Thanks for the reply Chris.

I am getting good spark and the autoprimer (pushing in the key) seems to be working fine. I try and start it by turning up the neutral throttle and depress the autoprimer by pushing in the key. She turns over fine but doesnt start. As soon as I turn that rich lean knob (or is that considered a manual primer?) I can hear the air release, and she starts right up.

This doesnt happen all the time, but seems to happen more so when the engine is warm.
 

tashasdaddy

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Re: Starting Issue 1998 Evinrude 90HP

what you are doing when you turn the red knob, is allow fuel to flow directly into the intake manifold. it is the same as turning the key and holding the key in until it starts.

Primer Solenoid
the primer replaced the old choke butterflies in the carborators, pushing in the key activates it, like the old choke plates, but injects fuel directly into the intake.
The red handle is used when your battery is dead, and you have to rope start. You move the handle 180 degrees.
Normal operating position is with the handle back over the body of the solenoid, like in the picture below.

my suggestion is to pull the small hose off the top of one carb, pump the bulb up, the press the key in and turn the key you should get squirts of fuel out of the line. if not you either have a clogged primer valve, of electrical problem to the primer solenoid.
 

Lindanel

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Aug 12, 2009
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Re: Starting Issue 1998 Evinrude 90HP

I will give that a try and let you know. Thanks a million for your assistance.
 

Lindanel

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Re: Starting Issue 1998 Evinrude 90HP

Just an update. I was getting a good shot of fuel out of the top hose, so the solenoid appears to be operating correctly. The ball seemed a bit soft, so I rebuilt the fuel pump, and havent had to prime the engine manually since. I hope I fixed the problem. I also plan on rebuilding the carbs over the winter, in case im getting a vapor lock somewhere.

Thank you again for all the help.
 
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