VRO with chocked key ingition

Hey guy's and gals..

I've never owned an outboard with a keysd chocke/ignition. I was wondering if there is a process or best practice when starting these types of engines??

I have a Evinrude E140TXCDC, G1136668

I recently went out to start my engine since she has sat for about a month and noiticed that i has a hell of a time starting her up. I have fresh feul, good vro, and spark. I noticed (if i was doing it correctly) that it took way too long for her to kick over. I eventually got her running with priming, stopping letter her sit, etc..

I imagine its me not folloing the correct or best practice..

so to you gurus I ask,,, how should I start the engine with the chocked key??

Re: VRO with chocked key ingition

Starting procedure:

Pump fuel primer bulb up until it is hard.

Apply a slight bit of throttle to take the engine off of the dead idle setting.

Turn the key to the START position and push the key in to activate the fuel primer solenoid.

When the engine fires and starts, release the key to the ON position.

(Fuel Primer Solenoid Function)
(J. Reeves)

The RED lever...... The normal operating/running position is to have that red lever positioned over top of the solenoid and aimed at the other end of the solenoid, gently turned to its stop. This is the normal/automatic mode position. Pushing the key in opens the valve within the solenoid allowing fuel to pass thru it in order to prime and start the engine. Looking upon this solenoid as a electric choke results in a better understanding of it.

Having that red lever turned in the opposite direction, facing away from the solenoid, allows fuel to flow thru it to the crankcase area. One would only turn the red lever to this position in a case where the battery might go dead and the engine had to be started via the rope pull method. Look upon putting the red lever in this position as moving a choke lever on a choke equipped engine to the full closed position. Either one would supply fuel to the crankcase/engine for starting purposes BUT if left in that position while running would flood the engine.

The later model primer solenoids are equipped with a schrader valve, used for attaching a pressurized can of fogging oil etc, available at your local dealership with complete instructions.

Pumping the fuel primer bulb up hard fills the carburetor float chambers of course, but that process also applies fuel pressure to the primer solenoid.

The two small hoses leading from the primer solenoid branch off via tees to each fuel manifold section that would feed fuel to the individual cylinders.

Pushing the key in activates the primer solenoid to allow fuel to flow thru it to the intake manifold passageways. Cranking the engine over causes the fuel pump to engage which in turn sends fuel pulses to the primer solenoid via the 3/8" fuel hose.

Some engines incorporates the "Fast Start" feature which automatically advances the spark electronically so no advance of the throttle is required for starting.
Engines that do not have the "Fast Start" feature will be required to have the throttle advanced slightly.

Starting procedure: pump fuel bulb up hard, crank engine and push the key in at the same time. When the engine fires/starts, release the key so that it falls back to the run position.

Bottom line..... Look upon the primer solenoid as an electric choke.

Re: VRO with chocked key ingition

ok..so here is what i did before the post..

pumped feul primer..
turned on water
pulled out throttle lever and slightly advanced
turned the key (hear beep from vro, just one)
she cranked and cranked didnt start

I then, turned the key all the way off and then on, pushed the key in and turned...still nothing licked over

I went back and primed more ...after several attempts alternating from choke and no choke..she fired..

So my questions..:

Should i start with key in first? and then once she tries to kick stop and turn the key again without pushing in?? Also, how many times should i be choking it? is it alternating choke/no choke until it starts??

The red lever you speak of is in the up and down position..i have never touched it...is that where it should be?

Re: VRO with chocked key ingition

Reread my original reply over again. I can't think of how to explain the starting procedure and the primer solenoid setting and purpose any simpler than that.

Re: VRO with chocked key ingition

I read your post and I appreciate the help..

I'm asking in the event she doesnt kick right over..not ever having this setup before i unfamiliar with the proceedure..

Whats the process if she doesnt kick right over? keep trying with choke??

Re: VRO with chocked key ingition

If it doesn't fire and start. Best to start with the basic trouble shooting procedure such as......

The cranking speed of the engine must be at least 300 rpm in order to have the stator (beginning of the charging and ignition system) under the flywheel energize the powerpack. A slow cranking engine will not provide ignition (spark).

Visually inspect the stator under the flywheel closely. If it is cracked and or dripping a substance down upon the timer base and powerhead area, replace it.

Check compression (should be 100+ psi and even on all cyls), then check for spark. Spark (with plugs removed) should jump a 7/16" gap with a strong blue lightning like flame.... a real SNAP! The gap is important.

If the above areas are as they should be, the problem is usually that the primer solenoid has the red lever pointed in the wrong direction or carburetor problems.

Let us know what you find.

Re: VRO with chocked key ingition

thanks this is extremely helpful.

One last question if you wouldn't mind??..

When applying the choke is it best to hold it in for any period of time before starting? or is the solenoid action pretty instantanious?

thanks again!

Re: VRO with chocked key ingition

The priming is instantanious as soon as the key is pressed in.

Hold the key in until the engine fires and starts...... However, if it doesn't start within six or seven revolutions, something is wrong and trouble shooting is required.

Re: VRO with chocked key ingition

Really? 6 revolutions?? thats quick.... I'll try it in the morning to see how quickly she fires.

I had the boat sitting for about 3 weeks since the last start and when I did it today it seems too long to start. this of course was with me not knowing the best way..but now i do..

I'll charge the batteries to be sure i have enough juice for the 300rpm..i'm sure i do, but will charge anyway.

I'm going to look into that solenoid as well..I didnt know what that red lever was even for, but again, I never touched it..but at least i know what it is now..

Thanks again for all the help..much appreciated

Re: VRO with chocked key ingition

Rscardina said:

thanks this is extremely helpful.

One last question if you wouldn't mind??..

When applying the choke is it best to hold it in for any period of time before starting? or is the solenoid action pretty instantanious?

thanks again!

Click to expand...

Here's what I do, which I think is totally consistent with what Mr. Reeves has said, but maybe stated a little differently.

Make sure air vent in fuel tank is open
Pump bulb until hard.
Advance throttle in neutral or lift cold start lever
Turn key to on (not start)
Push key in to prime
Count 3-5 seconds (I once had an engine that needed a full 8!)
THEN, turn key to start and hopefully engine will start immediately or within a couple of seconds.

If it doesn't work, repeat, and try holding the key in to prime a couple seconds longer than the first time.

Hope that helps.