Expert: Jeff Grigg - 2/25/2008

Question
Hi Jeff,
I have just purchased an allum boat with a Johnson 115hp but have trouble starting the motor. A manual did not come with the motor and the previous owner was a bit vague on it..
The procedure I use is

1; Prime fuel line by sqeezing 3-4 times until pressure is felt. Repeat for oil line.
2; Insert key and secure locking ring. Push key forward and rotate until warning lights come on
3; Move choke lever to full on position
4;warning lights go off one by one, four in total, and then wait a few more seconds and turn key further to engage starter.
5;starter cranks well but engine does not fire.
6; try myabe a dozen times and finally fires. Tends to run well then when warm

Engine has only done about 30 hours and has been regularly serviced.

Is my starting procedure correct?
When warm why is it not necessary to push key in? It seems to start well by just turning the key.

Thanks and regards
Tony  

Answer
Tony do not squeeze the oil primer bulb before starting. Unless the system has lost prime you are just overfilling the engine/carbs with oil, which could be your problem.
The fuel primer bulb you are doing fine.
The lever is a warm up lever and advances the throttle, increases the timing and opens the carbs a bit. When warmed up you may not need to use this at all or just slightly. Each motor is different.
The 4 lights are the System Check system that checks the condition of the oil system etc.
When you push in on the key you are engaging the primer, which is a small solenoid type device that allows extra fuel into the intake manifold to help start the engine. It only works when the engine is turning over as the fuel then becomes pressurized from the pulse fuel pump.
When you start, turn the key one position, the System Check lights will go through their diagnostics and go off one by one. Once finished, push the key in and turn to start, holding the key in. Once the engine starts or begins to start let off on the primer. The warm up lever should be lifted just enough until you feel some resistance. When the engine starts lower the warm up lever as soon as possible without stalling the engine. An engine will warm up faster at lower RPM, DO NOT allow the engine to rev above 1500 rpm for more than a few seconds.
Once warmed up the primer and warm up lever are usually not used because fuel is already in the system and ready to fire.
Jeff