Using ether to start 76' johnson 85hp javelin?Ok?

Joined
May 31, 2012
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Just bought a 1976 glastron sportster T-166 with a 85hp johnson javelin outboard. The seller told me its cold blooded and needs a shot of ether to get to run on initial start. Usually not requiring it after warmed up. Now im no machanic but is this ok to do?
 

JB

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
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Mar 25, 2001
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45,907
Re: Using ether to start 76' johnson 85hp javelin?Ok?

NO. Ether has no lubricant in it and washes what oil that there is off of parts.

Use a spray bottle of 50:1 fuel mix, and hope the PO hasn't ruined the engine.
 

nwcove

Admiral
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May 16, 2011
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Re: Using ether to start 76' johnson 85hp javelin?Ok?

im with JB, and would be concerned about the starting issue ,and how many times that method was used. ( ether may be ok for a farm tractor, but it isnt a good thing for a two stroke ob) resolve the starting problem and avoid the ether!!
 
Joined
May 19, 2012
Messages
56
Re: Using ether to start 76' johnson 85hp javelin?Ok?

I actually just had the same issue with my engine, just get one of those windex bottles and spray a squirt of your fuel-oil mix in the throat of the carbs and that is much safer than the starting fluid. Almost ruined my engine that way this past week.
Just make sure to choke when cranking!
 

Lyle29464

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Mar 10, 2009
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1,261
Re: Using ether to start 76' johnson 85hp javelin?Ok?

Need to fix the problem. I would have a mobile guy run a compression test and if the engine is ok have him fix the starting problem. Toss the starting fluid
 

scanman

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jul 29, 2010
Messages
370
Re: Using ether to start 76' johnson 85hp javelin?Ok?

I agree, compression first. see what the PO has done to it. Then spark (which is working), then fuel. I'm gonna guess it's a fuel, filter, or carb problem.
 
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