How do I start a 1988 Johnson Sailmaster 4 Hp outboard?

[HerbertW]

Hi Scott, I have a repair manual but not an owners manual. The repair manual tells how to repair the primer but not how to start it. Thanks, Herb

 

[flyingscott]

This is how your primer works! When you pump it it pushes fuel through into the motor. If it doesnt do that and it is plugged use carb cleaner and spray through the primer nipple to clean it out. Are you using the throttle to.start it if not turn it towards fast as far as it will go. That in conjuction with tje primer should allow it to start easier.

 

[HerbertW]

I took the carb apart and it was full of fine black particles! The primer was also. I cleaned it good and now I can prime it, leave the primer all the way out and it usually starts on one or two pulls. This black crud is from the internal flexible fuel line that was rotting inside the tank. It has a plastic tank that mounts on the engine. I had to wash it out with lots of hot water and replace the fuel lines that were rotted and full of crud. The crud had plugged the primer holes that feed the carb throat basically. All's good and I found a Johnson owner's manual for that year so I have starting instructions and service.
Thanks, Herb

 

[oldboat1]

Instructive post! Will be disagreement about causes of disintegration, but the solution is to replace 30 yr old fuel lines.