Can't get the engine to start

[BDUFFEY]

I have a 1987 envinrude 150 E150TXCUR outboard and I'm having trouble getting it started.
I replaced spark plugs already and put a new battery in. it'll crank but not start. what else should I be doing?

 

[Silvertip]

spark, fuel & air and it all needs to happen at the proper time (ignition timing). You are missing one or more of the three. Replacing plugs does nothing if there is no spark from them. New plugs does nothing if there is no fuel to ignite in the cylinders. If ignition timing is incorrect having fuel and spark means nothing. And finally, if the starting procedure is wrong that needs to be corrected. Are you holding the key IN while cranking? That primes the engine with fuel.

 

[racerone]

Are you pushing the key in while cranking it over, yes or no ?

 

[1dumbazz]

Spray some starting fluid in the carbs and see if it
tries to start if it does then it’s a gas related issue
get a spark tester from autozone or ohrielys and check each plug the testers should be around $10-$15

 

[BDUFFEY]

I am pushing the key in. and it has spark

 

[BDUFFEY]

Now when I go to start it, it pops and smokes. Am I doing something wrong? or does something else needs to be changed?

 

[boobie]

Has it got spark on ALL the cylinders ??

 

[JerEazy]

Sounds like a fuel delivery issue to me.

Whens the last time you rebuilt/serviced the carbs? In my experience Johnson/Evinrude carbs are testy. Hard start issues normally get solved with a rebuild and re-sync

 

[BDUFFEY]

I haven't rebuilt or serviced the carbs since I bought it a year ago. how much does that usually cost?

 

[racerone]

At $100/hr + kits you are likely into $500 to $600 at many shops.----Some testing will help you determine if that is in fact the problem.-----Have you tested the PRIMER VALVE , yes or no ?----It is the thing with the red lever.------The red lever is for manual operation of the primer valve.----Have you tried that , yes or no ?

 

[BDUFFEY]

I have not tested that. I'll try that when I get home from work today and keep you updated. Thanks

 

[JerEazy]

I haven't rebuilt or serviced the carbs since I bought it a year ago. how much does that usually cost?

if you can do them yourself - $22 a kit and a few hours. Lots of videos online on how to accomplish.

Racer is going to give you some tests and cheks to run first to make sure.

For better or worse i'm more of the parts slinger type.

 

[Jmitch1102]

How old is the fuel? I would try new fuel in a portable tank with a known working primer ball. If its old fuel or a cracked fuel line you might not be getting enough fuel to the carbs.

 

[BDUFFEY]

I replaced the primer ball last season and I just added the fuel the other day

 

[BDUFFEY]

The primer valve didn't work and other suggestions?

 

[racerone]

If the electric primer did not work you have to find out why.----Perhaps no voltage to it when key is pushed in.