1994 Evinrude 115 V4 mod. no. E115TLERC

JoeS3 · Feb 26, 2016

First time member question. I bought a Sprint bass boat with a 1994 115hp Evinrude V4 mod. no. E115TLERC last April. As I used it, it took longer each time out to get it to turn over to start. I would almost wear my battery down trying to crank it up. It would eventually start, but I would have to play with the choke lever a lot to start it. I'm guessing I need a tune up, but I want to know if there is a "kit" I can buy to do the tune up myself? Thanks for any help you guys can give.

racerone · Feb 26, 2016

Maybe new sparkplugs.-----Really no such thing as a " tune up " any more.---------Electronic ignition with timing that does not change.-------Fixed jet carburetors with no adjustment.--------So start your trouble shooting on that motor with a compression test.------------And check for spark on each lead.------Spark must jump a gap of 3/8" or more with a snap you can hear.-----Inspect your starter motor too, as slow cranking can lead to hard to start and no start condition.

JoeS3 · Feb 26, 2016

Thanks for the info. I should be able to look at it this weekend and I'll let you know. As I'm a new member, I'd like to know how do you jump up in rank as a member. The reason I joined was because of the great information and help I read about as I looked for answers about my motor. Great forum!

racerone · Feb 26, 2016

It just goes by the number of posts and not by any content of the posts.

emdsapmgr · Feb 26, 2016

Once you perform the above-mentioned tests, you should consider testing the choke solenoid. If it's not working (no cold-start choke) that engine is a bear to start. Once you prime the fuel hose bulb, pull one of the fuel primer hoses off the small hose barb on the top of the upper carb. When you crank the engine, push in on the key switch. If you don't get some fuel coming out of the hose, while cranking, there is a problem with the choke system, perhaps a bad fuel primer solenoid. Or, perhaps the red lever is in the "service" position, instead of the "run" position.

JoeS3 · Feb 27, 2016

I'm going to try the spark plug change first. I've looked at past posts about spark plugs and saw recommendations for Champion L-77J4, AC M40FFX and Champion QL77J4 so I'll ask the question....which one should I go with??? Thanks.

emdsapmgr · Feb 28, 2016

Always go with a Champion plug. In this case QL77JC4.

JoeS3 · Feb 28, 2016

Thanks for the spark plug tip. I'm going to look for them tomorrow. I'll keep everyone posted.

grid · Feb 28, 2016

WHOA. The choke "LEVER"?? Your choke is a primer system actuated by turning the ignition to ON, pushing the key IN and holding it IN while the engine cranks over.. Do NOT raise the warm-up lever ! As the engine starts, release the key, then push it in every second or so until the engine runs smoothly.The engine is equipped with QuickStart, which advances the timing for a few moments when cold to ease starting. You negate that function by raising the warm-up lever, and just exacerbates your starting problem. Before you get another set of plugs, give that a try and let us know.

boobie · Feb 28, 2016

Grid, you have a PM.

JoeS3 · Feb 29, 2016

Thanks. You learn something new every day! For my own info about my engine...I push and hold the key in when I turn it to start, when it turns over I push the key in every second or so until it runs smoothly. Then what's the warm up lever for and when do I use it?

grid · Feb 29, 2016

Personally, I think it's like an appendix. Years ago it was needed to keep the prehistoric engines that didn't have QuickStart running. OMC/BRP probably has 48,945,231,766,554 of these things in stock with the warm-up levers, and they can't find an apprentice to spend weekends locking 'em down. Sometimes I use it to give me a steady throttle position while I'm making basic adjustments or settings prior to fine-tuning. I can't really think of a instance it would benefit you. If your engine runs so poorly at idle that you need the lever to keep it running, you have a problem that needs to be addressed immediately. Hope all this helps.

JoeS3 · Mar 1, 2016

You guys are great. Thanks for all the information.

JoeS3 · Mar 7, 2016

I just had to get back here and thank Grid and emdsapmmgr for their keen insight about my motor. I put in the Champion plugs that emdsapmgr recommended with the proper gap and started it up without touching the "warm up lever" that Grid told me that I shouldn't touch when starting the motor. I pressed the key in while turning it to activate the choke and held it in until it ran smooth and it all worked. Thanks guys. You just made my day!