1971 Johnson 9.9 hard starting

[utah boat owner]

I have had trouble cold starting my 9.9. I used to pull till I was worn out, but found that a shot of starting fluid did the trick to start a cold motor. Once it fires up, it will start with one pull all day. I'd like to get it fixed, but haven't been able to figure it out. Anyone have any suggestions for me? Thanks in advance

 

[1946Zephyr]

Re: 1971 Johnson 9.9 hard starting

Well, if it's a 9.9, then it can't be a '71. If it's a '71, then it can't be a 9.9. The 9.5 was made from '64 to '73 and the 9.9 was made from '74 on. The reason why I say this, because there will be different measures taken to trouble shoot each model. The earlier 9.5 will have the older style ignition and the later 9.9 will have an electronic ignition. They are two different animals

Reguardless of what model it is though, never use starting fluid on an outboard. There is absolutely no lubricating properties in it and you could damage the engine. If anything, use a fuel mix in a spray bottle.

 

[oldman570]

Re: 1971 Johnson 9.9 hard starting

Well, if it's a 9.9, then it can't be a '71. If it's a '71, then it can't be a 9.9. The 9.5 was made from '64 to '73 and the 9.9 was made from '74 on. The reason why I say this, because there will be different measures taken to trouble shoot each model. The earlier 9.5 will have the older style ignition and the later 9.9 will have an electronic ignition. They are two different animals

Reguardless of what model it is though, never use starting fluid on an outboard. There is absolutely no lubricating properties in it and you could damage the engine. If anything, use a fuel mix in a spray bottle.

As stated by Zephyr " never use starting fluid" on a outboard 2 stroke motor. A SR# for the motor will tell us just what type of ingition system you have as the fixes for them are diffrent in most cases. You can get alot of good info by going to LeeRoys ramblings or duckworks on the 9.5 OMC motors also as just how to test and fix the trouble you are having. The trouble could be the carb,fuel pump, or timming on old points system but sounds more like the carb needs cleaned rebuilt or the fuel pump needs rebuilt.

Oldman570

 

[1946Zephyr]

Re: 1971 Johnson 9.9 hard starting

Better yet, a model number and a pic would help.

 

[kbait]

Re: 1971 Johnson 9.9 hard starting

If everything else is proper, it sounds like your choke valve isn't closing all the way. If it's indeed a 9.5, just pull the cowling and look when actuating choke.. if it's a 9.9, pull the top off the airbox and actuate choke and check valve for closing. If it's not fully closing on a 9.9, the choke arm may be installed upside-down. The longer slot needs to be 'up' to fully close choke valve.

Good luck!

 

[utah boat owner]

Re: 1971 Johnson 9.9 hard starting

Thanks to those that have replied to my hard starting issue. You are correct, my 1971 is a 9.5, not a 9.9. It's a model 9R71. When I got it, I did replace the impellor, put in a carb kit, changed plugs, but could not get it to turn over without starting fluid. I recognize all your cautions about 2 strokes and starting fluid. I had not considered the fuel pump since once started, it ran fine. Also would pumping the fuel line bulb not fill the carb fuel bowl?

As stated earlier, once I got it running, it runs like a top. Cold start is my only problem. I'd really like to get it running right.

 

[oldman570]

Re: 1971 Johnson 9.9 hard starting

Go to LeeRoys Ramblings and set the points as described by drilling a hole in the stator plate and set the timming as such along with setting the carb with the wire as described to link everything up good. then set the carb idle as described. Has worked great for me on several older OMC motors.Doing this should take care of alot of the trouble. as long as the carb, fuel pump and all fuel spply componets are good. JMO
Oldman570