Little red lever on primer 1993 200 Johnson

[fiveonadub]

This question probably shows my ignorance.
There is a little red lever on the side of the primer gimmick. What is this lever for?
I switched it back and forth...nothing exploded..
Thanks for taking the time to answer this

 

[racerone]

That primer is not a gimmick at all, been used on many motors since 1980 !!!!!---That red lever opens the valve manually to squirt fuel into the engine when operating the bulb.------More useful on smaller engines should there be a dead battery.---Red lever should be inline with valve body when motor is running.

 

[fiveonadub]

Thank you,
You say "opens the valve manually" so I assume that means it is typically closed?
Is this part of the choking system? or the "primer" as I have read..
The reason I ask is because I perceive a problem with the choking mechanism...when I press the key in to the choke position, and then turn the key to start..nothing.
If I just turn the key to start, it turns right over and fires.....eventually
I bought the boat only a week ago and am going through it. It is a 1993 200 OMC Johnson

 

[racerone]

The electric primer sprays fuel into the engine when you push in the key while cranking it over.-----It replaces old time choke flappers and is a very good unit.---Sounds like there is an issue with your ignition key switch.

 

[Drummerhowie]

I had a20' Mako with twin Evi 60's. The starboard key switch got replaced with one that didn't have the pushbutton for the primer, so every initial start, I had to take off the engine cover,flip the lil lever, and then fire it up. After she was warm it usually wasn't a problem.

 

[Chinewalker]

Replace the key switch with the proper one with the push button.

The solenoid should click when you push the key in. If it doesn't, then it may be cooked.