Thread: cold start

I don't think you could ever choke this engine to much when it was cold. This is what I did when I had a evinrude. Pump the primmer bulb till firm, lift the fast idle about 1/2 way. I would lower the motor all the way down, push in the key to choke it, turn the key while still pushing the key in and wait for the engine to start letting go of the key if it starts . I listen to see if the engine stumbles if it does I choke it again and again till it runs smooth.

Don't use starter fluid to start an outboard. It works but has no oil to lube during the start. use a squirt bottle with mixed fuel if that becomes necessary. My mechanic scolded me soundly for this, never crossed my mind.

Originally Posted by caveman

I don't think you could ever choke this engine to much when it was cold. This is what I did when I had a evinrude. Pump the primmer bulb till firm, lift the fast idle about 1/2 way. I would lower the motor all the way down, push in the key to choke it, turn the key while still pushing the key in and wait for the engine to start letting go of the key if it starts . I listen to see if the engine stumbles if it does I choke it again and again till it runs smooth.

I went thru everything you did with your motor and the mechanic had to come to the boat ramp a few days later when the motor wouldn't start. He got on the boat and started it like caveman explained and dang if it didn't fire right off and run. The mechanic assumed I knew what I was doing and I never splained what a dummy I was about the marine world. I have also added to my check list "when I go to pump the bulb up to fill the carbs I check the connections to make sure the gas line is connected to the motor" that was another service call for nothing but 35 dollars each time.
Good luck with your motor. Ferdi aka Fred

thanks for the tips caveman especially about the motor being down been trying to crank it with muffs tilted up before a trip thats got to help thanks also skeetbum and ferdi for the input