HARD STARTING JOHNSON 25

[Fadrowski]

I recently purchased a pontoon boat with a 1989 Johnson 25 with electric start.<br />When engine is warm it starts with no problem.<br />However, when cold it takes me 15 minutes and about 35 ranks or so to start it. I think I am flooding it or not following the proper procedure on cold starts. I know it needs to be in neutral and the primer bulb needs to be squeezed until firm. I'm not sure if I am supposed to push in and hold the starter button in all the time I am cranking the engine and in what position the idle lever should be during a cold start. Help!

 

[OBJ]

Re: HARD STARTING JOHNSON 25

Hi Bill....<br /><br />Raise the idle lever 'bout half way up....this can vary with engines but it's a good place to start. Turn the key on, push in and crank till it coughs or starts and release the key. If it coughs without starting, don't push in to choke on the next try. The initial choke should prime it enough to start. <br /><br />Your right about flooding the engine. Over choking will do just that. If you still have problems with it starting, we could be looking at a carb issue which generally can be solved by a good cleaning and overhaul.<br /><br />Keep us posted....thanks.

 

[Fadrowski]

Re: HARD STARTING JOHNSON 25

Many thanks to Rear Admiral Member # 18214!!<br />Based on your great advice my motor now starts on the second try (lever half way up, push in key on first try only, and on the second try it starts right up). Thanks again!!<br /><br />Bill - Wind Lake