1993 Johnson Fast Strike 150 no start

[Tommygreeneyez]

I just bought my first boat and brought it home today. It is a 1979 Steury 1900 with a Johnson Fast Strike 150HP outboard on it. When I looked at it, it started right up no problem. As far as I know it is only the second time this season it has been started. Today though, I could not get it started at all. I pulled the pulgs and they looked ok, oil deposits on them, but even electrodes. I have some new ones to put in anyways (something I do with everything, new plugs when I buy, cars and now boats too) but I havent done it yet. I am also going to go pick up some starting fluid to get it fire, I am hoping it is just because it has sat for so long without running yet. Also thinking the fuel is probably bad, I dont know if the prev owner treated it at the end of the season. So knowing it started right up when I went to look at it, and I cant get it to start any ideas on what to check/do to get this boat up and running good. First boat and first outboard so any help would be appreciated.

[tashasdaddy]

NEVER use starting fluid on a 2 cycle engine!!!!!! use some premixed gas. 50/1 in a squeeze/spray bottle. here is the proper sequece to start that engine. squeeze primer bulb till hard, turn key to on postion, press key in for an 8 count (the engine does not have a choke feature, it has a primer solenoid, that lets gas into the intake to prime the engine to start) release key, raise fast idle lever, or push button center of throttle handle, and move handle forward. turn key to start. once started you may have to push the key in a couple of times to keep it running until it warms and settles down. move throttle back to neutral position. should idle there. DO NOT run or try to start this engine, with out a water source connected. muffs with water hose, on in the water.

[Tommygreeneyez]

Ok, Yeah I have a set of muffs, I do know that much. If I am trying to start it, and I much the throttle it stops starting, so I am assuming the high idle lever is the lever the is over the ignition and on the throttle that locks the throttle in place when it is up. See I wasnt doing that way, I was just turning the key over and pushing it in while. Thnaks Ill try all this anmd hopefully it purrs.

[Tommygreeneyez]

I did exactly what ya said and it fired right up. Running great. What a noob question, but thanks, Like I said I thought the push in was the choke not the prime, so that was the problem, and I had no clue what the lever above the throttle was, and now i know, thanks for everything. Anymore questions and I know where to turn.