2000 johnson 225 ho--hard start---after that its fine

[TRITON 225]

Wondering if i should go to a hotter plug--its got champion ql78yc in it now----what is the higgest performance plug i can get for this engine--johnson recomends the ql series --iam looking for easy crank and overall performance--running non e10 gas--has helped some but not enough

[boobie]

QL78YC is the only plug for that mtr. If you could, describe your starting procedure.

[TRITON 225]

Ive tried about every procedure you can try--it takes awhile before it fires --than floods a little until all plugs kick in--does different things at different times never cranks right up easy

[boobie]

Have you checked your spark with an open air gap tester which should jump a 7/16 " gap ??

[TRITON 225]

Ive checked gap when install new plugs---ill check the air gap but dont think thats it either cause once it fires it cranks most of the time right up--just takes a good many turns to fire up---ive checked the spark and its fine at all times

[boobie]

By starting procedure, I meant how are you using your choke ??

[TRITON 225]

i have used it everyway you can think of--first trying to start --second by letting motor turn over few times than using it--etc

[spotstickerkid]

i have used it everyway you can think of--first trying to start --second by letting motor turn over few times than using it--etc

I have this same engine and was having the same problem. Mine now starts at a half turn of the key. I can walk you through the cold start up process

[hidef]

Cold Start procedure from the operators manual follow it and you should have no issues.

If the fuel tank has an operable vent, open it.
Squeeze the fuel primer bulb, outlet end up, until firm.

DO NOT advance the throttle before start-up unless
you need to clear a flooded engine. Advancing the
throttle overrides the QuikStart electronic starting
system. After start-up, the system runs the engine
at fast idle until it warms up, then automatically
slows it to normal idle speed.

Starting a cold engine normally requires use of the
engine primer. To activate the primer, steadily
PUSH/HOLD the key switch IN while cranking or
running the engine.
Turn the key switch fully clockwise to the START
position. Crank the engine no longer than 10 seconds

IMPORTANT: The starter motor can be damaged if
operated continuously for more than 10 seconds.
Upon start-up, release the key.
If the engine did not start, release the key momentarily,
then try again.
Each time the key switch is turned from OFF to ON,
the warning system will self-test. Refer to Engine
Monitoring. If the warning system fails to self-test
during start-up, see your DEALER.
If your outboard does not react normally to this
starting procedure or if it fails to start, refer to Trouble
Check Chart.

[Fishunter1]

Have you checked your fuel pump? I have a pre-ethanol carbureted 225 HO that's been giving me fits. When it finally starts, lots of blue smoke. Then starts and runs fine the rest of the day. My mechanic tells me this is the way a fuel pump acts before finally quitting altogether. He said that these were built before the companies were fully aware of the damaging effect that ethanol has on the pump. Said it would be $700 to replace so I'm making do for now. You might be in luck as they started making ethanol resistant pumps around 2000 according to him.