Starting issues with Johnson 85hp 85ETLR78C

[brettule]

I've read the FAQ here on how to start my 1978 Johnson 85hp 85ETLR78C engine but I must say it continues to be a pain. People I've spoken with so far all say "that's an old 2 stroke for you" and the conversation stops. It's got about 200 hrs on the engine and I had it serviced 12 months ago, compression on all cylinders is good. I prime the bulb, get a strong crank and spend about 15 minutes at the boat ramp being laughed at coaxing her into life. I've gotten to the point where I keep a can of an aerosol fuel starter (aka start ya bastard) and squirt that into the carbys every time I need to start. That fires her into life then she stumbles and I squirt again, repeating this 3 or 4 times until she runs under her own steam. Starting from that point on is generally pretty easy unless it's left for a few hours, then it's back to being a pain.

Any thoughts on what the cause could be?

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: Starting issues with Johnson 85hp 85ETLR78C

Is the choke working? The engine is a bear to start if the solenoid is not closing the choke butterflys when the key is pushed in. Not a good idea to use starting fluid. It does not have any oil in it to lube the internal rotating assemblies when the engine is running. That's running it with no oil... Better to fill a hand spray bottle with premix fuel and spray that in the carbs.

 

[wayneo99]

Re: Starting issues with Johnson 85hp 85ETLR78C

is the choke solonoid working? it should pull the butterflys closed when you press in the key. Hold it until it fires you may need to press it in again to keep her running until she stays on her own.
starting fluid contains no lubrication and is not a good idea.