engine wont start cold please need help!!!!

cblounge

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Joined
Aug 5, 2011
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1
I have a 1989 evinrude 88 spl - 90 hp - the engine has not been run for about 1 1/2 - 2 years now when i went to start the engine it wont fire up... the engine cranks over, the batteries are fine, new spark plugs, a year old raccor filter, how ever the primer bulb wont harden but no smell of gas leak... gas pumps through engine and will leak out if i flood it... the carbs are fine... what can i do to fire this baby up i have never had this problem before i can't look at the gas line because i have no access to it.... any help would be appreciated trying to take her on my vacation tomorrow.... thanks!!!
 

oldcatamount

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Apr 4, 2010
Messages
1,740
Re: engine wont start cold please need help!!!!

Letting a motor sit un-started for a year or more is asking for trouble. Chances are good that the carbs need a cleaning and re-build. Have you checked the igniton for spark? You should have a bright blue spark that will jump 1/2 inch (at least) across an air gap tester. New plugs will help.
 

Silvertip

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Sep 22, 2003
Messages
28,771
Re: engine wont start cold please need help!!!!

Kill switch clip not installed perhaps?? How old is the fuel? Pull the plugs to see if they are wet. If so -- its flooded or no spark. If bone dry, the engine is not getting fuel. You do know about the primer solenoid, push to choke, and raising the fast idle lever do you not??
 

hidef

Lieutenant
Joined
Aug 22, 2009
Messages
1,465
Re: engine wont start cold please need help!!!!

If the primer bulb does not get hard and it is pushing fuel to the engine you have a carb problem. One of your floats is stuck and is not closing. You need to clean your carbs.
 

emoney

Commander
Joined
Jul 19, 2010
Messages
2,551
Re: engine wont start cold please need help!!!!

You gotta start at the carbs and work your way back regardless. Like hidef said, if the primer bulb doesn't get hard, there's an issue. The worst thing that can happen to an outboard is to sit untouched for any length of time.
 
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