starting a 120 johnson

[bchaffin125]

I have a 120 Johnson v-4 outboard. It has a primer bulb on the gas line. It has a hot foot and to choke it you have to press the key in. my question to anyone is everytime i crank it using the choke it floods. Can someone explain this choke? I have been boating all my life and have never had problems like this out of a choke. Once the motor is cranked it runs great all day but the first time i try to crank it, i never know if i can boat that day because if it floods it will never crank unless removing the plugs. Please help!!!!

 

[Dhadley]

Re: starting a 120 johnson

It's not really a choke sysytem but rather a primer system. When you pump the bulb it fills the carb bowls and creates pressure in the line. Ince the motor is turning over (running or not) the fuel pump does the same thing. When you push the key in it opens an electronic valve (primer solenoid). That allows fuel to be injected in behind the carbs. It's not like a choke where the motor needs to be turning over to deliver fuel.

Here's what's worked well for us starting cold motors -
1- Pump the bulb. This will fill the carbs and create line pressure.
2- Turn the key to the On position and push the key in to open the valve. DO NOT TURN THE KEY TO THE START POSITION
3- Hold the key in for a 6 to 8 count.
4- Turn the key to the Start position. Providing everything is in working order it should start almost instantly. As it warms up you may have to bump the key in a few times.

If your motor is 1988 or newer do not give it any throttle. It will go into Quick Start (fast idle) on it's own.

This is all assuming the carbs are clean and set right and everything is in good working order. Sometimes we find a hard starting motor has the wrong plugs installed.

 

[bchaffin125]

Re: starting a 120 johnson

I know for a fact that all the fuel lines and carbs are clean, they were just rebuilt and lines replaced. I have put new plugs in it and think i got the right set but your info has put a question in my mind. I will check the plugs and see wahat i come up with. Just to let you know I got it out the other day and put the muffs on the lower unit and tried to start it. first i pumped the bulb full, tapped the hot foot and turned the key to the on position. I then pushed the key in twice listening for it to clik in the motor and it did. I then tried to start the motor and it took a couple of times. I feel like i just have to learn the correct combination for cranking the motor. This is my first boat with a hot foot and this type of "choke" system. Thanks for your info, it is greatly appreciated.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: starting a 120 johnson

Tapping or moving the Hot Foot doesn't really do anything. The carbs don't have squirters or anything. Pump the bulb, with the key in the On position (not Start position) push it in and hold it in for a 6-8 count. Then turn the key to Start.