1997 50hp Johnson - techron issue?

[jpstormcrow]

Hello!

My motor has always started first try. I added techron to my gas due to rough behaviour when going slow and ran it in the driveway for 20 minutes or so after adding the techron to the gas.

Today I went out and she did not want to start at all. I ended up having to put the high idle lever all the way up - I have never had to do that before - and she finally started. Ran fine all morning on the lake with frequent start/stops.

Did I screw up my motor? DIslodge some gunk into the carb?

 

[racerone]

Are you pushing the key in AND holding it in while cranking it over ??

 

[jpstormcrow]

Are you pushing the key in AND holding it in while cranking it over ??

No, Ive always pressed it 4-5 times and turned the key without holding it in.

 

[racerone]

Try the correct starting procedure.--No need to push it in before cranking.-----Pump bulb tight / raise fast idle/ push key in / hold it in and crank it over !----Charge battery and have battery load tested.

 

[jpstormcrow]

OK I will definitely change my habits and follow the correct procedure. Why would this all of a sudden give me grief after running techron? Coincidence?

 

[jimmbo]

Maybe a bit of dislodged Dirt/Varnish/Gum due to the Techron, blocked a fuel passage in the carb.

That is a Major reason pouring Dr. Quacks Miracle Elixir into the fuel tank isn't the proper way to clean a Carb

 

[F_R]

No offense meant, but this is just a common example of how many people do not know how to start their motor. I've seen brand new motors that wouldn't start because nobody instructed them how to do it.

Don't be afraid to use that warm-up lever. That's what it is there for.
And no, the primer doesn't do anything unless the motor is cranking. Hold the key in as said.

 

[jpstormcrow]

No offense meant, but this is just a common example of how many people do not know how to start their motor. I've seen brand new motors that wouldn't start because nobody instructed them how to do it.

Don't be afraid to use that warm-up lever. That's what it is there for.
And no, the primer doesn't do anything unless the motor is cranking. Hold the key in as said.

No offense taken, I was instructed by my dad and I didn't bother to double check his instructions. That being said I've been running this motor for a year through summer heat and icey lakes without a hiccup so I was taken back by it.

 

[jpstormcrow]

Maybe a bit of dislodged Dirt/Varnish/Gum due to the Techron, blocked a fuel passage in the carb.

That is a Major reason pouring Dr. Quacks Miracle Elixir into the fuel tank isn't the proper way to clean a Carb

I wasn't trying to clean the carb, I was attempting to decarb the engine. Didn't expect to have starting issues from it. All seems well now, whatever gunk in the jets must have passed.

I'm still happy I posted this as I learned I wasnt using the primer correctly lol

 

[jimmbo]

If you want to decarb the engine, go get a couple of cans of Merc Power Tune, and follow the instructions.

Carbon Tetrachloride works real well, and OMC Engine Cleaner used to be pretty much just it. But it is bad for your Liver and Kidneys when you have inhaled the fumes

 

[Crosbyman]

Maybe wrong but I seem to remember from my fireman father that carbon tet was used in hand pump fire extingihsers.... VERY BAD STUFF !!! FUMES

 

[jimmbo]

It was, but it is also a very good Solvent on Organic(Carbon) materials

Halon, another Extinguishing Agent, also produced Poisonous Fumes once it was heated by the fire it was extinguishing