Easier starting for TOP

[Streffpilot]

Hi, I have a '72 or '73 1150 TOP. I LOVE the motor once it is up and going in the morning. The problem I have with it is that it is a ***!****!****!******!*****!*** to get started in the morning. Once it is started for the day, all I have to do is bump the key, and it is up and running. Even after sitting for 2 hours fishing.

How do I get it to start faster in the morning without spraying some pre-mix down the carb throat (which I don't do, and don't want to do)? I know they are cold blooded, but I don't want to wear out my starter by cranking forever to get her going.

Am I not priming enough? I prime till the bulb is hard, then give a few more good squeezes. I just need it to get started quicker. I feel like an idiot clogging up the ramp in the mornings, but I know once she is going, she runs like a freeking banchee.

Any help?

 

[flyingscott]

Is the choke working.

 

[jimmbo]

Are you lifting the fast idle lever and activating the choke? I know that sounds condescending, but you'd be surprised how many operators don't know to do that. Low float settings can also cause hard starting. You say you "prime till the bulb is hard, then give a few more good squeezes". Perhaps you are flooding the engine. Have you tried starting it without the "few more good squeezes"?

 

[Streffpilot]

Yes, choke is working, and I activate "warming" lever. It usually likes choke on and 1/2 warm lever.

 

[Chris1956]

After priming as you describe, use full cold start lever, hold choke closed and crank her until she fires. You will not flood her.

 

[racerone]

Look into installing an electric primer valve.-----Johnson / Evinrude have used them since about 1980 and the work very well.

 

[flyingscott]

Yes, choke is working, and I activate "warming" lever. It usually likes choke on and 1/2 warm lever.

Are you hearing the choke or have you physically looked at the butterflies.

 

[DavidMoore]

Refreshing the dielectric (non conducting) grease at the plug wire connections seemed to help my 90HP 3 banger start when cold. Helps keep the moisture out.