Help! 85HP 1980 Johnson will only start after turning the fuel primer valve

[skylarlake]

I have a 85HP Johnson 1980. In order for the boat (Nitro) to start I always have to turn the fuel primer valve on the motor itself to manual start from the run postion, turn the engine over with the key once and then turn the primer valve back to the run position and then it starts fine with the key. Is the primer switch going out? If so is it easy to replace myself and where would I buy the part online? Any direction would help, Thanks a lot!

[ob]

Does the primer solenoid click when the key is pushed in?

[skylarlake]

Hey ob!When the key is just pushed in, I do not hear a clicking from the fuel primer. The engine does turn over when the valve is turned to the manual position when I turn the key though. What do you think?

[ob]

Sounds like either the key switch is not making to the primer solenoid or solenoid itself may be caput.Try connecting a 12V source to the primer solenoid lead and see if it operates.If not ,may be time for a new one.