90hp Johnson won't start in morning

[pklakeman]

Motor will not start in morning, replaced, primer solenoid, carb kit, wires and plugs. Engine runs "great" if started afternoon when it is warmer. Thinking, stator or power pack, any ideas? Thanks

 

[JB]

Re: 90hp Johnson won't start in morning

Howdy, pklakeman. Sounds like the dreaded Possum Kingdom Spirit doesn't want you to get out before the temp is in the 90s. I really like PK in the early morning. . . prettiest lake in this part of TX.<br /><br />To help you we need more data about your engine, etc.<br /><br />Sounds more like a fuel related problem than ignition, to me. Whatever you do, don't buy any more parts until you know what you need.<br /><br />Standing by.<br />JB

 

[pklakeman]

Re: 90hp Johnson won't start in morning

Your right! PK has a lot of character, love to just sit outside and look at it, wish the fishing was as good as last year, going to be a long summer. Thanks for the reply, forgot to mention that the motor almost instantly floods in the morning, tried every combination of "no choke" and "choke" Fuel runs out of carb after trying to start. But when it heat up in the afternoon, starts instantly and runs great. Motor is 1994 90 hp 4v cross flow. Any help greatly appreciated.

 

[JB]

Re: 90hp Johnson won't start in morning

Hmmm. Do you keep her in the water or dry? <br /><br />Do you disconnect the fuel hose overnight? Do you close the vent on your fuel tank? If not, do that after you shut her down tonight. In the morning, try to start her before you attach the fuel hose... first without choking. If she doesn't start, then try some choke. My guess is that she will start. After she is running open the vent and attach the fuel hose. <br /><br />Let us know what happens.<br /><br />Good luck.<br />JB

 

[pklakeman]

Re: 90hp Johnson won't start in morning

Thanks for the suggestion, disconnected fuel line, couldn't close vent to gas tank, this is on a pontoon boat and don't know how to close vent that is by the gas fill cap. But I tried starting with gas line off, first with no choke and then with choke, nothing happened, no "fire". The boat stay in the water, I have it on a trailer the last couple of days so I can work on it. (Have water hose connected to lower unit). I am open to any suggestions, Thanks for the help>Mike

 

[JB]

Re: 90hp Johnson won't start in morning

Sorry that didn't do it, PKlakeman. Can't think of anything else right now. If I do I'll post.<br /><br />Good luck.<br />JB

 

[pklakeman]

Re: 90hp Johnson won't start in morning

Thanks, will keep chasing problem. Just came from boat and it started right up at 2:15 and 95 outside. Runs and idles great. Got me scratching my head.

 

[b taylor]

Re: 90hp Johnson won't start in morning

THANKS FOR THE SUGGESTIONS 12FOOTER & ODDD1<br />I'LL HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL THIS WEEKEND TO CHECK THESE SUGGESTIONS OUT. I'VE GOT MY BOAT AT MY WEEKEND GETAWAY. 12FOOTER: EVEN THOUGH I KNOW THE WATER PUMP IS WORKING FINE, I HAVE GOOD WATER PRESSURE & FLOW OUT THE **** HOLE ON THE BACK OF THE MOTOR, COULD I STILL HAVE A OVER HEATING PROBLEM.<br />ODDD1: SORRY TO SAY I DON'T HAVE ANY EQUIPMENT TO TEST FOR VOLTAGE OUTPUT ON THE STARTER...<br />THANKS AGAIN FOR THE INFO.....

 

[SeaBear]

Re: 90hp Johnson won't start in morning

I was in agreement with JB but that has drawn a blank so lets check out the ignition anyway? You need to establish if there is any spark at the plug in the morning or if it is weak? What I am also thinking is whether this is temperature or damp related? Are the mornings dewy or dry? You say you replaced wires does that mean HT leads? Also, when it starts in the pm do you choke it? Does it show any sign of life in the morning? Check all ignition connections. I'm also focusing on the petrol coming out of the carb - float height, sticking needle valve or damaged float [so it absorbs petrol and sits lower than normal?] ... I know some will say 'why does it start in the pm then?' and I am asking the same myself but I am in brain dump mode so excuse any stupid suggestions but all ideas are useful in case I do hit upon a cause you haven't checked?

 

[pklakeman]

Re: 90hp Johnson won't start in morning

thanks seabear, yes it is dewey in the mornings. I have replaced the floats and needle valves, checked float with gauge. Replaced spark plug wires. head and water gaskets and retorqued head to specs. I am getting some spark in the morning but not enough to start. But again, it starts like a champ in the hot afternoons!!Thanks

 

[JB]

Re: 90hp Johnson won't start in morning

Howdy, PKlakeman. Well, I have an off-the-wall idea, but it might just work and tell you where the problem is.<br /><br />Back in the days when integrated circuits were new stuff, technicians often had to figure out which one of dozens of IC chips on a circuit board was failing when the board heated up. We devised 2 techniques: spray freon on each chip to cool it until we cooled the hot-failure and the system started working, or heat each chip with a hair dryer until the system failed.<br /><br />If you can get power down there to your 'toon, try the hair dryer on your ignition system in the morning. . . warm up and dry out each part until she thinks it is a hot afternoon and fires up for you. Then waterproof that part of your system.<br /><br />If this works I'm gonna ask you to advise me on where and how to fish PK.<br /><br />Good Luck.<br />JB

 

[pklakeman]

Re: 90hp Johnson won't start in morning

Sounds like a good idea. Let you know. The Golden algea killled a couple hundred thousand fish this spring, so hope there are still some left. Haven't seen much movement, they are hoping they are coming up late from the deep water. The lake just cleared the last couple of weeks. so we all have our fingers crossed, they cancelled all the fishing tournament this summer, really a shame.Thanks for the idea.

 

[pklakeman]

Re: 90hp Johnson won't start in morning

JB. heated up power pack this morning (after trying to start- without luck) and it Started!!!! On the way to boat store to get a new one. Thanks for the idea!

 

[JB]

Re: 90hp Johnson won't start in morning

YES!!! Doesn't it feel good to whip a tough one?? Hours of frustration followed by a moment of triumph!! Congratulations.<br /><br />Let us know when she starts every time.<br /><br />Smooth waters.<br />JB

 

[uflanke]

Re: 90hp Johnson won't start in morning

Kudos, JB! Just love this forum!