2000 90 HP Johnson VRO - What's the proper cold start technique?

[007]

In April I bought a used bow rider with a 2000 90 hp Johnson VRO (60 degree V-4). It has an in-dash "push to choke" ignition key switch. Cold starts give me trouble most of the time. Runs great at all RPM's once running. Plugs + fuel filter were changed when we bought it in April. It was winterized last fall.

What is the proper cold start procedure on this motor re:
Choke/manual throttle advance/primer bulb etc........No owner's manual came with the boat/motor.

Thanks!

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: 2000 90 HP Johnson VRO - What's the proper cold start technique?

As follows:

Pump up the fuel primer bulb until tight
Raise fast idle lever
Push key in and hold for a count of 5
Start engine while continuing to hold key in.
Once engine starts, release key.
You may have to "Bump" the key in a couple of times until it smooths out...

 

[007]

Re: 2000 90 HP Johnson VRO - What's the proper cold start technique?

Thanks. It has a non-OMC throttle control and no fast idle lever.

How much should I advance the throttle for a cold-start?

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: 2000 90 HP Johnson VRO - What's the proper cold start technique?

About 1/3 of the way. You'll know if it's too high from the revs when it starts...

 

[ob]

Re: 2000 90 HP Johnson VRO - What's the proper cold start technique?

That 2000 mode 90 should have a quickstart feature that negates needing to raise idle lever on cold starts .The OMC controls have an idle lever , but I've never had to use mine for cold starts.Intermittedly bumping in on the key primer until engine settles and holds idle is sound advice.It keeps the fuel rich on 'cold' startups.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: 2000 90 HP Johnson VRO - What's the proper cold start technique?

Thanks OB on the quickstart tip. Didn't think about that....

 

[ob]

Re: 2000 90 HP Johnson VRO - What's the proper cold start technique?

10/4 Rick.My OMC binnacle control has a feature to unlock the throttle lever if needed for cold startup,I guess in the event that the quickstart doesn't work,but I've never had to use it.One very important step that gets overlooked until one gets familiar with cold starting a two stroke outboard is to insure that the fuel primer bulb is pumped up "completely" firm before holding in on the key primer while cranking.

 

[mike481050]

Re: 2000 90 HP Johnson VRO - What's the proper cold start technique?

Have a 1997 90hp VRO evinrude with in dash key and side mount throttle lever.

When new only had to prime push key in while cranking and would start and run first time every time when cold.

As the years have gone by it has become more an more difficult to start cold with "quik start". Fires and stalls and usually takes on average 5 attempts to get it to run. Once started it is an instant starter for the rest of the day.

Now at the stage where wife disengages gears and uses about quarter throttle when cold which gives an instant start.

No big deal i know but as the motor has a cold start feature I am anal enough to expect it to work.

Have been thru all the different suggestions listed in this and other forums but nothing improves the situation.

Bulb gets hard when primed and you can hear the solenoid clicking when you push the key in. Once started with "quik start" the revs hold at about 1200RPM for about 30 seconds then drop down to normal idle The engine will drop revs if you push the key in while it is idling when warm so the system works both mechanically and electrically.

Don't wish to hijack the thread but I feel this is on topic and I know lots of others are in the same situation.

Cheers

 

[ob]

Re: 2000 90 HP Johnson VRO - What's the proper cold start technique?

Mike,try not lowering the engine all the way down on next cold start but low enough that the water intake and prop hub are well submerged and see if it starts without throttle lever. It reduces back pressure on the exhaust a bit.I always cold start mine on the hose before I launch to prevent any unwanted surprises at the launch.And then,I agree, each engine seems to have its own feel when it comes to cold starts.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: 2000 90 HP Johnson VRO - What's the proper cold start technique?

Make sure to use only Champion plugs. Very important in any OMC / BRP carb'd motor but especially important on the 60 degree V's.

 

[mike481050]

Re: 2000 90 HP Johnson VRO - What's the proper cold start technique?

Thanks guys,

Am using the recommended Champion plugs but will try not lowering the motor as much.

Cheers