Starting problem 77 Evinrude 85 hp V4

Motor will not start until flammable liquid is sprayed into carb. After cutting motor off, can restart easily unless several minutes have passed. Then must again spray start fluid into carb. With motor not running and tilted up, noticeable fuel mixture comes out from lower part of carb, dripping in front of transom. Motor runs well after starting. Anyone know how to correct my problem?

Re: Starting problem 77 Evinrude 85 hp V4

You shouldn't be putting any starting fluid in a 2 stroke engine. The spray has no oil mixture to lube the rotating assembly while it runs and can damage the internals. You may have a float problem on the both carbs, esp lower carb. Possible that after shutting it off that the carb may be leaking fuel. That excess fuel may be flooding the lower two cyls. It is not unusual for these older carbs to leak a little fuel when the engine is tilted. That excess fuel will pool in the bottom of the airbox. (If it is leaking into the lower cowling, the airbox gasket may be damaged or missing.) When starting, that excess fuel/oil will get recirculated into the bottom cyl where it is combusted. The engine may smoke a lot for the first minute till the engine consumes the excess fuel. Check to be sure the airbox drain hose is connected to the hose barb at under the bottom carb at the front of the powerhead.

Re: Starting problem 77 Evinrude 85 hp V4

Also, you would not need starter fluid if your chokes were working properly. The chokes are there to force the engine to pull a richer fuel/air mix for a cold start and they must work as designed.

To work properly the choke plates need to close 100%, absolutely, when engaged. You need to watch the plates while someone cranks the engine and assure that they close and stay closed as long as the switch is held.

Once the plates are synchronized, you can adjust the operation by moving the choke solenoid in small increments.