Cold start problem

[grady]

95 Johnson 200 ,MJ200TXEDC, having cold start problem. Will only start with fast idle lever. Thought it might be power pack, replaced with a test pack, but same thing, it would only start with the idle lever up. Once warm, engine runs & starts great. Just the initial cold start is a problem. Quick-start is working properly when warm but can't tell on initial start-up because idle lever by-passes the Quick-start system. Choke is also working properly; RPM's drop when pushed in. Checked port temp switch by disconnecting blk/wht wire, Quick-Start stays on with wire disconnected seems to be OK. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Will using the fast idle lever at cold start cause any engine damage?

[DoferGofer]

Sounds normal to me.



Regards,

[grady]

The fast idle lever should only be used to clear a flooded engine. "Normally" it should not be needed to start a cold or a warm engine. Until now this engine has started without fail, using just a little choke(no fast idle lever). Plugs, fuel filters are new. Thanks.

[grady]

Please, any ideas on why this engine is so difficult to start(cold) would be greatly appreciated.

[ChampioNman]

Quick start didn't come about untill the T pack era of 88- 91 on the cross flows.

[ELGIN]

Trim engine to level, prime (BRP) fuel bulb until firm.

Turn key to on and push in to choke, hold key in while cranking.

When engine starts release key, wait 1/2 second and depress key 1/2 second to choke.

Repeat last, two more times, three depressions total.

If engine does not continue to run something is wrong.

[eg92b16a2]

Is this the same for procedure for a my 89 johnson 200GT?

[ELGIN]

Its the same for any carbed John/Rude, if it don't start with this procedure something else is wrong with the motor.

[eg92b16a2]

So no need for the high idle?

Thanks.

[ELGIN]

Should not be any need to advance the throttle if everything is right.

[eg92b16a2]

Thank you I have been really hard starting my boat the last 3 weeks. The starter finally gave out after I could not get the boat started. I am getting the starter rebuilt and hope to try it out next week. Should I also change my solenoid?
And would you know about how much rpm is needed on the flywheel for the motor to fire up?

[ELGIN]

I would start with a load test on the battery, New don't mean Good, if you have been grinding the starter I would replace the solenoid too.

You do have lock nuts on the battery cables at the battery, Right?

[eg92b16a2]

Yes the battery had a load test done and was over 1000 mca
I was thinking of taking the solenoid in and replace it.
Yes I have locknuts on the battery.

thanks for the info hope this fix the motor.

[ELGIN]

Let us know if we can help more.

[mic0157]

Sounds like the same problem I've had with my 1990 Johnson 175. It just won't start on the trailer. I finally ran the fuel lines, and found a few that looked damaged and replaced them. Then I checked on the battery (fuel or fire right?) and found the water to be way low. It produced enough voltage, but didn't sustain it after hitting the starter. And to compond matters, the battery was 3 years old. Luckily, the water into the battery was enough to start it, but I'm looking at a new starting battery in the near future just in case.

I'd say check for fuel leaks or blockages, check the primer assemble to make sure no leaks in the seals, and check the battery condition.

Past that, I'm at a loss. Good luck!!

[JR19]

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by ELGIN &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Trim engine to level, prime (BRP) fuel bulb until firm.

Turn key to on and push in to choke, hold key in while cranking.

When engine starts release key, wait 1/2 second and depress key 1/2 second to choke.

Repeat last, two more times, three depressions total.

If engine does not continue to run something is wrong.</TD></TR></TABLE>

This is the correct starting procedure for your carburetor Johnson motor...hard staring first thing in the morning after they have set for a few days is just the nature of the beast...the only real cure that I am aware of is getting a fuel injected motor

[grady]

Not quite sure that I'm reading your reply correctly. Are you saying that this motor, 95 Johnson 200 doesn't have Quick start? As far as the correct starting procedure goes, I have been cold starting this engine for years using the described procedure & it would start right up. This problem is new. Batteries, plugs, filters, power pack are all new. Is it possible that stator, charge coil or starter could be bad?

[ChampioNman]

No my mistake I looked at it quickly last night with out my "eyes" on and it looked like 85 instead of 95. Sorry you do have quick start.

[grady]

Thanks, still not sure if the Quick start is the problem. I troubleshot the quick start as if inoperative, with an ohmmeter between the power coil orange & orange/blk. wires & got a reading of 97 ohms. Manual stated that if resistance is within 86-106 ohms to replace the power pack which I did. No help, same problem, will only start with the fast idle lever when cold.

As a note I used a Snap-On, Blue Point digital ohmmeter that doesn't let you dial in any ranges.