needs starting fluid

[peterbilt]

I have a 1992 40hp johnson outboard. Sometimes it will start right up and the next time it won't. We were anchored out on a lake and it would not start, we sprayed a quick spray of starting fluid in the air intake and it fired right up and ran great. we got back and it started right up on its own but after 3 hours would not start again, sprayed fluid again and fired right up. In the water by the motor there is a film like gas/oil mix in the water. I pulled the plugs and they look wet but not soaked. It's like its not even firing.Can anyone give me some ideas?

 

[ezeke]

Re: needs starting fluid

While the engine is cooling off, all of the fuel mix left in the cyinders is draining out as it should on any 2 stroke. After a time you will need to follow your normal cold start procedure of pumping the primer bulb, and activating the primer solenoid while cranking the engine.

Starter fluid is not recommended because it strips the engine of oil. Use premix gas and oil in a spray bottle if anything.

 

[peterbilt]

Re: needs starting fluid

thankyou for the reply. When I let it sit for 3 hours I go back and the bulb is hard but still won't start. If I use the choke it wont start until days later and thats if I get lucky. Could it be that the choke is not even working?

 

[71Windsor]

Re: needs starting fluid

You should try every other solution befor turning to ether! When you engage the primer do you hear an audible click? You can refer to your manual to get the correct ohms to check the solenoid. You could have an solenoid thats not working 100% of the time. Like ezeke said a perfect solution is to have a spray bottle with mixed oil/gas, that would work just as well to get it started if you encounter a problem and get into a jam. I would check the solenoid over well. It could even be a corroded contact in your control box. But sitting just a few hours is plenty of time for your carbs to drain down and you would need to perform a first start/cold start. That is common.



Frank Wood
Pennsville NJ

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: needs starting fluid

only spray premixed fuel into the carbs. the fastest way to ruin a 2 stroke is with starting spray. burns too hot, strips lubrication. you can toast a hole in a piston real easy.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: needs starting fluid

it sounds like you need a carb cleaning, sounds like a float needle valve is not closing all the way. thus flooding the motor, or you have a leaking primer.

 

[ezeke]

Re: needs starting fluid

When the primer solenoid is working properly, it allows fuel to bypass the carburetor and enter the intake manifold directly. This enriches the fuel/air mix, so it essentialy does what you are doing with the starter fluid except that (1) you get the necessary oil, and (2) you have a lot more fun.

Make sure that the red arrow is in line with the cylindrical part of the solenoid.