motor very hard to start

[prolineez]

I have a 2003 Yamaha 115 carb. 2 stroke that has been hard to start since new.I bought it new a year ago as a left over. It takes at least 4 to 6 trys before it starts. Today it took more than 12 attempts before it fired up.Once it starts it will start up as soon as I turn the key. I use the proper starting procedure and I even tried to vary it, more choke, less choke, more throttle etc. When I pump the bulb it feels like there is air in the line, but I can't be sure. <br /> I took the fuel line off at the filter thats on the motor and squeezed the primer bulb a bunch of times and some fuel and some air came out of the line as I pumped, more air than fuel. Not being familiar with outboards I don't know if this is normal. I would think a steady stream of gas should come out. The two fuel lines that go to the carbs both have fuel in them as does the bowl on the filter. I'm stumped.<br /> If Rodbolt reads this or anybody else can help it would be greatly appreciated since I am at a loss. Thanks

 

[rodbolt]

Re: motor very hard to start

what is your exact starting procedure from the time you step on the boat ?

 

[prolineez]

Re: motor very hard to start

rodbolt,<br /> My starting procedure is this, first, prime bulb holding it vertical,3 to 4 pumps until hard, pull out manual choke, set throttle a bit above idle speed or more,then turn key to start. As I said I have varied this, sometimes using the key switch choke only or both together. The motor makes no attempt to start, no kick or sputter nothing. After at least a dozen trys it will fire and after that it starts on a dime.

 

[rodbolt]

Re: motor very hard to start

rasie the warm up until it will start at about 2000 RPM. make sure the choke is closing fully, if its still hard to start remove the fuel bowls and check the float level. occasionally I have to close up the choke butterfly air holes.<br /> crude but it works.<br /> a quick test is to catch it dead cold. use duct tape and close off both airbox intakes. the engine should kick off almost immediatly. if it does you will know its a lean cold start condition and we can work with it from there.

 

[prolineez]

Re: motor very hard to start

rodbolt, <br /> I just sprayed some gas directly into the carbs and it started. I let it run for about 5 seconds and shut it down. I turned the key and it started instantly. Does this give any hint as to what it may be?

 

[Ray Neudecker]

Re: motor very hard to start

Says it is a lean cold start condition. Did you check to be sure the choke is closing all of the way. No real reason to use both manual and electric choke. As rodbolt suggested give it some more fast idle. He can't help you unless you listen to him.

 

[rodbolt]

Re: motor very hard to start

listen to Ray, he is 16 going on 17 and much older and wiser than me.

 

[prolineez]

Re: motor very hard to start

rodbolt,<br /> I tried what you said about closing off the air box and sure enough it started imediatly. I also closed off the air holes on the choke plates after unblocking the air box. As you said, crude but effective. I tried to cold start it and it fired up on 2nd. try. Good news. I'll try again tommorrow morning.<br /> I used some very sticky tape to close off the air holes, is there a better way. The tape may be too crude.

 

[rodbolt]

Re: motor very hard to start

nope<br />you said enough.<br /> now I have to ask you to do something that takes two folks.<br /> one folk turns the key to on,not start, and pushes the choke in.<br /> the other,after the choke is pushed manually moves the choke links to insure the choke butterfly;s are closing. if they are radical mods will be nessasary and airbox removal will be required and I would love dicital pics of the butterfly's. then I may tell you how to fix your issue.<br /> same as I had to do my 95 115.

 

[prolineez]

Re: motor very hard to start

rodbolt,<br /> I've checked the choke plates using the key choke and they are closing completely. I am not at all familiar with posting a picture on this website but I can describe them to you if this helps. The upper plate has two very small holes maybe 1/8 inch and the lower plate has two holes each about 1/4 inch. If you need any more info let me know. <br /> Also is it safe to run the motor with that tape in there permanently? I would think not but it's an easy fix.