starting issues

[acatrine]

I have a 2000 Johnson 150hp outboard that recently decided to not start. I have changed the sparkplugs, drained the fuel tank and put new gas in. After doing all this I attempted to start with no success. I used a little starter fluid and it started right up and ran for a little while but later killed. The only way it wants to start and run for a minute is with the starter fluid. Before this issue it would bog down on re-starts when on the lake along with kill when opening the throttle. Not sure where to go with this one- any thoughts?

 

[LongLine]

Re: starting issues

Have you tried pumping your bulb to see if it stays running?

Tom B.
(LongLine)

 

[jtexas]

Re: starting issues

Be advised that your motor gets its lubricating oil from the gasoline. Starter fluid has no lubricating qualities. If you wouldn't run your motor with no oil, don't run it on starting fluid. Put some premixed gas & oil in a spray bottle if you feel you need to do that.

Starts when gas is sprayed down it's throat, along with bogging, points to dirty carbs. Were it mine, I'd rule out compression and spark first.

Need help just ask.

 

[JB]

Re: starting issues

go to the Top Secret File ^^^.

 

[acatrine]

Re: starting issues

Thanks for the advice on starter fluid. I also followed advice about pumping the bulb with no success. Sprayed down the carbs but still nothing. Could the timing have been knocked off and this is why it does not want to start?

 

[rlb9844]

Re: starting issues

I had problem very simmiler to yours a couple of months ago. My boat died out on the lake at WOT. Fired back up just long enough to get me to the ramp. After I got home for two weeks it wouldn't start. I check everything including rebuilding the fuel pumps, blowing out lines,fireing, and getting very frustrated. Finnaly I tried your approach. Shot some gas/oil in the carbs and it fired right off. That says carbs. Pulled the carbs off and apart to find that my float needes were stuck closed in all three carbs. Unstuck needles and sprayed out with carb cleaner. Put everything back on, hit the primmer bulb, and she fired off. I hope yours is as simple as mine.

 

[jtexas]

Re: starting issues

The only way for timing to be off is if the flywheel key sheared, or magnet(s) come loose. If that's preventing it starting, no amount of starter fluid or fuel will make it start.

You're going to end up rebuilding your carbs, but I would still do the compression and spark tests first, just on general principle.

Back when the motor was bogging down, if one or more cylinders was starved for fuel, they weren't getting lubricated; compression test will tell whether you caused any internal damage by continuing to run the motor in that condition.

Compression should be about the same on all cylinders (lowest within 5 or 7% of the highest).

Spark test (not a "spark plug" test): get an inline spark tester (couple bucks at autozone), set the gap for 7/16", clip it to the engine block, attach the plug leads (one at a time) and look for a strong blue spark while cranking. If it can't jump a half-inch gap in the open air without a spark plug, it's not firing in the hole under heat & compression.

If compression & spark check out ok, order one carb kit for each carb, and see the "carb cleaning instructions" thread in the "Engine FAQ" section of iboats.

You'll also want to get your hands on a manual -- I highly recommend the factory shop manual.