Johnson 90 cold starting problem

[Chris]

I have just had a few days in Cornwall and the engine performed really well and did not miss a beat all the time we were out. However in the mornings after the boat had been outside all night in the cold it was a real pig to start and took 7 or 8 long blasts on the starter to get going. I have recently changed all the plugs and fuel filter so know those are not to blame.

I have been pressing the key in as I turn it in case anyone thinks of that.

Any ideas?

Chris

[BogMonster]

Mine has the "press the key in" thing - but I don't really know what it does, I just know it doesn't start without it. Must be some sort of auto choke I guess - maybe it is broken or even a simple wiring/switch fault?

[fast fred]

did ya pump the bulb first in the line? sounds like there was no fuel for it.

[Pete7]

Originally Posted by BogMonster

Mine has the "press the key in" thing - but I don't really know what it does, I just know it doesn't start without it. Must be some sort of auto choke I guess - maybe it is broken or even a simple wiring/switch fault?

Correct operates a soleniod on the chokes. There is a manual over ride if you take the engine cover off, then you will see the little plastic widget to turn to engage the choke manually.

Pete

[Jizm]

Originally Posted by Pete7

Correct operates a soleniod on the chokes. There is a manual over ride if you take the engine cover off, then you will see the little plastic widget to turn to engage the choke manually.

Pete

Mine has the same thing, the solenoid is duff so is a bit of a pig from cold.
PS. No more than 5 sec bursts on the starter or damage may occur.

[al40]

you should hear a good solid click when you press the key in (listen without turning key to operate starter). If it's not distinctive, it may be that the choke lever has jammed so it's not moving the plates on the carbs (making it hard to start). Take the cover off and have a good look with someone else pressing key in. Solednoid is usually connected to bottom or middle carb with a link lever to operate the choke flap on all carbs simultaneously.

I've had 2 problems to date:

(1) On old engine one of the plates was ceased and therefore stopped the chocke operating (actually it seased shut so choke was fully applied at all times)

(2) The tube from the oil reservoir got jammed inbetween the thottle link bar and choke link bar so as soon as choke was set, it jammed.

=> check it all moves freely and nothing is jamming it :-)

Good luck.

[Chris]

I had a look last night and realised that you really need to push the key up very firmly to get the solenoid to click in, I just wasnt doing it hard enough.

Chris

[BogMonster]

Originally Posted by Chris1573

I had a look last night and realised that you really need to push the key up very firmly to get the solenoid to click in, I just wasnt doing it hard enough.

Chris

Any cheap fix is a good one