2000 Jhnsn 200HP warm start problems

[offshoreisle]

I have a 2000 Johnson 200 with carbs and VRO2 system The last 2 or 3 seasons this issues has gotten worse.

The engine starts cold no problem. when hot it used to start with the touch of the key. Now it will not start unless the throttle is opened up significantly. I got towed this past weekend for the first time in 30 years of boating! UGH This after it failed to start at all. Cleaned the plugs which were fouled, wide opoen throttle no luck. Killed two batteries trying.

When it doesn't start warm, I found the air intake shroud had fuel in it. None of the carbs seem to be flooding. I had an excessive smoke issue before this problem started. I recently replaced the VRO2 pump, this has helped with the excessive smoke, seems more normal now. But still starting hard warm.

what I have done so far:
Flushed fuel system, fresh gas in the tank now. (with conditioner)
Replaced fuel filters, on the engine and racor
tuned the engine up - all new plugs
replaced the VRO2 complete pump ($400)
cleaned all the carbs
replaced the thermostats (2 years ago)

Today I'm going to test and rebuild the primer system, although it seems to be working fine.

I read about a check valve for the fuel system, I will test it and replace if necessary. I'm not sure what it does except it may be contributing to excessive fuel in crankcase.

I've also heard about an enrichment system?? Although I can't find any info on what to look at in the engine manual I have. The engine used to run faster at idle when cold then reduce RPM after a few minutes. (warm up). It does not do this anymore and hasn't for a long time. I'm wondering if this is part of the enrichment system?? If it's still rich when startgin warm I can see this being my issue.

Any light shead on this would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks, Paul

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 2000 Jhnsn 200HP warm start problems

the primer is the enrichment system, it sounds like your FAST START function has failed.

 

[offshoreisle]

Re: 2000 Jhnsn 200HP warm start problems

Thank you for the reply.

If it were the Fast Start function wouldn't it show in cold starts also? The manual says it operates both in cold and warm starting. When cold, it starts right up when I bump the key. (And prime)

I will still test it checking the timing mark, but I guess it has to be in gear so I'll need to put the boat in to test.

Is it the Fast Start function that causes the engine to run faster idle during wam up? (because of timing) Or is it the enrichment system?

Thanks,
Paul

 

[jtexas]

Re: 2000 Jhnsn 200HP warm start problems

right, the "fast start" advances timing for high idle when the engine's cold.

you said "cleaned all the carbs" -- did you install new float valve needles *and* seats?

 

[daselbee]

Re: 2000 Jhnsn 200HP warm start problems

I would double check the primer solenoid red lever. For normal operation it should be turned so that it is "in line" (parallel) with the body of the solenoid.
If it is turned where it is perpendicular to the body, it can cause your symptoms.

Quick start would be a different issue.

 

[offshoreisle]

Re: 2000 Jhnsn 200HP warm start problems

Thank you for the replies.

Yes the carbs were rebuilt; I did not replace the needles or seats. They all looked very good. They do not bleed down, and the float levels seem to be right on.

I did find the #1 carb only held in place by 2 bolts. I saw it before but never gave it a thought until I realized all the others had 4 bolts. So it was like that since new. I added the missing bolts.

I did have one carb flood after rebuild, took it apart again and found the needle did not seat correctly. All carbs looked ok inside. a little grime but not bad at all. Did not see any obvious clogged jets.

The manual primer lever is down.

The engine starts great cold and runs well. I little shake at 1200 thru 1500 RPM, it?s on a bracket and always has done that. Turns up no hesitation and tops out as it always has.

I called a dealer to make an appointment today. They can?t see it for a couple weeks. He did talk to me a little about it but couldn?t offer much. Except a powerpack is 300 bucks.

It?s raining hard here today so I?ve had little time to work on it on my day off. I?ll let you know how I make out with the Fast start and the primer rebuild.

Thanks again,
Paul

 

[offshoreisle]

Re: 2000 Jhnsn 200HP warm start problems

Just a follow up. Fast start seems to be working. Primer tested ok too.

I ended up replacing the starter. Believe it or not it seems to have fixed the problem. I've only run the boat once but it did start warm a whole lot better.