Primer Solenoid

[biggjimm]

My 90 model 60 horse has a primer solenoid & not a butterfly choke. My question is this, when you push the key to activate the primer does it just squirt fuel one time or will it squirt continuously as long as the key is held in?

 

[racerone]

It is NOT a pump !----It is merely a valve,.-----So if there is no fuel pressure to this valve, no fuel will come out.-----The key must be held in while cranking in order for it to squirt fuel into the carburetors.----When cranking the fuel pump puts pressure to this valve !

 

[biggjimm]

I understand it is not a pump & only operates if the fuel pump has supplied fuel to it. My question is does it stay open as long as the key is pushed in? Let me ask another question, are you supposed to hold the key in while you're cranking until the motor starts or push it once & then crank the motor? My concern is am I going to flood the motor by holding the key in until it starts or is that how you're supposed to do it? Does that make sense?

 

[racerone]

It stays open as long as the key is pushed in.----You are to hold the key in while cranking as posted above.----The holes in the hose and fittings are very small and I doubt you can flood the motor with the primer on a cold start.----If you are having cold start issues likely there are other problems !!!

 

[Chinewalker]

I concur. I treat the primer on my 90 Johnson much as I would a choke. On a cold start, activate it until the motor first pops off, then tease it as needed until it warms up.

 

[biggjimm]

Ok thanks guys. No cold start issues I just didn't want to have any & wanted to make sure of the correct starting procedure. I always thought it was a regular choke & held the key in til she fired & wanted to make sure that was correct after realizing it was a different system.