Evinrude Cold Start Problem

[dubnvento]

I have a 1987 SPL Evinrude that has electrict start up at the wheel on a 1965 Larson 14ft boat. I have a hard time getting it to start when cold. It usally takes me about five or six turns of the key to get it to start and then it usally dies a couple of times and then finally runs. After warmed up it runs like a champ with no issues. I have a marine mechanic go through it because it wasn't ideling right after I purchased the boat. They changed the spark plugs, lower end gear oil and adjusted the idle. They also did a compression check with came back in excellent shape. Any help to get this to start faster would be helpful.

 

[HighTrim]

Re: Evinrude Cold Start Problem

What is your starting procedure step by step, usually just "human error"

 

[dubnvento]

Re: Evinrude Cold Start Problem

My boat has the throttle on the side like most newer bow riders. I pop it out into neutral and then push it foward to make sure the engine gets gas when I start it. Then I go back to the engine and prime it two to three times. I then push the ignition in which is giving it choke and then turn the key. I hold the key down for three to four seconds and if it doesn't start then I repeat this procedure.

 

[HighTrim]

Re: Evinrude Cold Start Problem

Try priming the fuel bulb till firm. Raise the fast idle lever. Hold the key in for a count of 8. Turn the key over while holding in the key. If you hear it dying, you may need to feather the choke a bit.

 

[iwombat]

Re: Evinrude Cold Start Problem

I think that '87 has a primer solenoid. (someone check me on that) I think the procedure is hold the key in for an 8 count, then turn the key. (someone check me on that too). Do you still have an owner's manual for it? There should be a starting procedure documented.


Edit: HighTrim beat me to it.

There's another system that recommends pushing the key in a few times before starting too. I forget which years are which.

 

[dubnvento]

Re: Evinrude Cold Start Problem

Thanks for the input. I don't have a manual for it but will try everyones advise. That might be the reason, not holding in for an 8 count.

 

[jparke8]

Re: Evinrude Cold Start Problem

I think this is a great forum, I was having trouble starting my 94 model 90 hp Johnson with a fuel enrichment system. I know now that it was strickly operator error. To crank all i have to do is pump the fuel bulb until firm. Give it a minimum amount of gas using my hot foot, push the key in and turn to start until the engine cranks. When it cranks release the key, if it starts to die press the key in until comes back running properly. All the while holding the idle high until it warms up. If it dies, just perform the procedure again. When it warms up, I'm ready to go.

Works everytime hot or cold.

 

[cocobolo]

Re: Evinrude Cold Start Problem

Thank goodness for this forum. Just got an '87 (I think) Evinrude on a runabout, but the fellow who I got it from didn't give me the starting procedure. I think it is pretty well explained here...but can someone tell me what the knob is below the key? Something to do with a solenoid? How does that work please if anyone knows. Thanks.

 

[SparkieBoat]

Re: Evinrude Cold Start Problem

that knob tightens or loosens the throttle/shift lever so it will stay where you put it while running...you turn it Clock Wise or Counter Clockwise

 

[cocobolo]

Re: Evinrude Cold Start Problem

Thanks SparkieBoat...when I went down to the boat this morning, I see there are two knobs. I have since been told that the top one is a choke adjustment of some sort, so it appears that the bottom one is what you suggest.

A few days ago, when trying to take the first trip in the boat since I got it, it took 45 minutes to get the motor started. Once running and warm it was fine. Parked it at the marina and when we came back about 4 hours later, it flatly refused to start. We had to get a 4 mile tow back to Ruxton island in 25 knot winds. Not fun.

Nothing wrong with the engine, just the operator. This morning I started it with these instructions. Fired right up in less than 1 second and never stalled at all. And nice smooth idle, something it never seemed to have before. All I did was clean the plugs.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Evinrude Cold Start Problem

The two items referred to above have absolutely nothing to do with the choke or primer system. One is a three pin connector for a tachometer connection. The flat shaped know is a throttle friction adjustment. On '87 motors have an enrichment (primer solenoid) system that will not operate using the "8-count" method unless the primer bulb has been squeezed until firm. One can also just hold the key in while cranking to accomplish the cold start procedure. Many folks also dont realize the flat lever at the top of the control box is a cold start (fast idle lever). use it on cold starts. Thats what it's for.

 

[cocobolo]

Re: Evinrude Cold Start Problem

Thanks Silvertip.

I have discovered that the lower knob - the smaller of the two - is used to prevent the throttle from moving around. The other one can also be turned, so I don't quite understand how that is a tach connection. A couple of people have since advised that it is an adjustment for the chokes. Is that not correct?

 

[boobie]

Re: Evinrude Cold Start Problem

The lower one is most likely a cap on the plug in for the tach. There are no choke adjustments.

 

[magicbronco]

Re: Evinrude Cold Start Problem

can someone please give an overveiw of this 8 second hold, motor brand/year.
i have always had bulb solid,cold start lever up, push key for choke,and turn key to start.
of course i have had some motors that were a bugger to cold start possibly opperator error?
possibly needed to hold choke for this 8 seconds.