Expert: Jeff Grigg - 2/7/2008

Question
I'm new to boat motors, last year my wife bought me a 9.9 Johnson Evinrude [TE10RELETM].  i hooked it up with the remote controls & steering and starter.  Problem is getting it started.  Once started runs great.  I think I'm doing something wrong when it comes to starting or else i have something hooked up wrong.  It doesnt appear that i can give it throttle until it is started and goes into gear.

Answer
Terry you should have either a fast idle handle or a way to advance the control's handle in neutral. Usually this will be one of the following. A button on top of the control box, push in and the control will stay in gear but allow throttle. Another control has a button in the center of the handle where it mounts to the control. Push it in to advance the throttle. Finally some controls you pull out on the handle to use the throttle.
To start the engine.
Make sure the control is in neutral.
Advance the handle until slight resistance is felt.
Turn the key to the on position, push in on the key and hold while cranking the engine. The engine should start. If it starts and dies try a second time. After a few seconds of cranking let off the key (choke). Do not crank for more than 10 seconds at a time.
Once the engine starts slowly reduce the throttle as soon as possible. Do not let the motor run in neutral over 1500 - 2000 rpm. The slower the better. Low idle speed while warming up is better for the engine and it warms up faster.
Post back if needed.
Jeff