Tough inital start

[evanwilliams0025]

I have a 1998 Johnson 200 venom that is just not wanting to start. If I put the water ears on it and turn it over it will prime then fire. If I put it in the water the starter spins and engages and the primer bulb stays hard but It just won't seem to fire off. Once I finally get it started it will fire every time and it runs like normal. Any suggestions on where to start.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Tough inital start

Basic health check to begin with and as much history as possible.
Was it always like this ??
Any recent work done to it ??
etc etc

Compression
Spark
Fuel delivery
Spark plug condition.

Post your results and go from there.
Welcome to iboats

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Tough inital start

Use this link to get your "how to" info if needed.

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=299680

 

[evanwilliams0025]

Re: Tough inital start

I bought the boat two years ago and I am the second owner. I can?t speak too much on how the boat was maintained before I got it I just know that it didn't sit much. The owner used all OMC recommended oil, parts ect to maintain the boat and I have continued to do so as well. I had it checked out by a mechanic that said everything thing was okay at the time of purchase. The motor would prime and then start first time almost every time. A year in it started having problems getting it started. First it was just when it was cold out side but once it would start everything would be okay. The problem has progressively gotten worse to now spending 10 to 15 minutes getting it to start. I am running Manufacturer Recommended Plugs change them every season. This current set I have had in for about 2 months but have changed plugs two other times since the problems began. I ran a compression test today everything is fine. Boat is getting good spark. It?s just the initial start. The motor will sputter then choke out several times before I can get it started. Most of the time I have to put the peddle to the floor for a few seconds to keep it running. Once I can get a good strong start everything runs great for the rest of the day or even multiple days as long as the primer bulb says hard. I have replaced the primer bulb and had some seals replaced in the lower unit about 6 months ago. The mechanic said he had no issues starting the motor but he didn't take it to the lake. That where all my starting problems manifest. I am thinking maybe a bad primer solenoid since I am only having problems at start up. Any thoughts.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Tough inital start

You have done a lot but I did not see the carbs being serviced. Could well be the culprit.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Tough inital start

carbs!!!! http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=359355

 

[evanwilliams0025]

Re: Tough inital start

You have done a lot but I did not see the carbs being serviced. Could well be the culprit.

I will take a look at the crabs this week to see what I can find out. If was the carbs wouldn't it have a hard time starting every time? Once I have the fuel vacuum im okay.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Tough inital start

I will take a look at the crabs this week to see what I can find out. If was the carbs wouldn't it have a hard time starting every time? Once I have the fuel vacuum im okay.

Gunk and varnish in the float bowls floating around and getting into the jets can do some mighty strange things. If they have not been done then it is certainly a good time to do them anyway.
Good Luck and keep us all posted.

 

[Boss Hawg]

Re: Tough inital start

I have a 1998 Johnson 200 venom that is just not wanting to start. If I put the water ears on it and turn it over it will prime then fire. If I put it in the water the starter spins and engages and the primer bulb stays hard but It just won't seem to fire off. Once I finally get it started it will fire every time and it runs like normal. Any suggestions on where to start.

I may be over simplifying but it may just be a case of not findind the right "cold start procedures" for your motor if all is great after its warmed up
My 110 is a bit "cold natured" but i've learned what it likes to get started when dead cold- after its warm its just a key touch

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Tough inital start

My thoughts are that he says it has progressively got worse. A "wrong" cold start procedure should give the same result each time in my opinion.

 

[evanwilliams0025]

Re: Tough inital start

2377677]My thoughts are that he says it has progressively got worse. A "wrong" cold start procedure should give the same result each time in my opinion.​

​

[/RIGHT]

Crew Im running out of options. I am still having a problem with the inital starting process. I have changed nothing from the time I have bought the boat till now in starting procedures. I have run a compression test top is about 96 low is 89 everything is good there. I have replaced the primer solenoid and rebuilt the carbs. I have also put in new plugs and new plug wires. my starter is working fine what else could be going wrong here. Im about to give up and take it to a pro if I can manage to swollow my pride.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Tough inital start

Spark test results ???
Don't see them posted.

 

[evanwilliams0025]

Re: Tough inital start

Spark test results ???
Don't see them posted.

don't have a spark tester but I did go with the old bolt and spark plug test and I get a good jump on all plugs at 3/8 inch or maybe a little better.

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Tough inital start

I havn't posted in awhile but I have a 1996 200 so I will interject something!

First, if you are using anything but 87 octane that could be it. Mine hates anything higher than that and starts hard in the mornings!

Second, the fuels have changed about ever 6 months around here so you never know what you are going to get!

Pump bulb hard, push in key for the count of about 10, reprime the bulb and hold key in while cranking, When it starts, continue holding key in till it stumbles then release. You just cannot flood these engines if they are tuned right!

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Tough inital start

don't have a spark tester but I did go with the old bolt and spark plug test and I get a good jump on all plugs at 3/8 inch or maybe a little better.

Personally I would invest in a spark tester so you really know what you have.

 

[SparkieBoat]

Re: Tough inital start

I had same problem with a 1995 150 rude...my intake manifold gaskets were swollen closing off the fuel injection slots.. so while you have the carbs off cleaning them good..I would replace the intake manifold gaskets.
Sparkie