40 HP Evinrude Cold Start Problem

[MuskyNutz]

I run a 1993 40 HP oil injected evinrude on my river boat. When the motor hasn't been started in a day or two it will crank and crank until it starts. Sometimes it takes 3-4 minutes to get running. Sounds like it's not getting enough fuel after it sits for a while. But it does the same thing whether or not I prime the bulb. Choke/No choke doesn't matter. Is it electrical? Anybody have similar problems? Any suggestions would be appreciated. When it's warm it pops right off. Or even after it hasn't been ran for three to four hours.

[BIG DS]

Sounds like the pilot jet in the carb is plugged. When is the last time the carb was taken apart and completely cleaned? Also make sure the check valves in the primer bulb are not leaking. They may not be holding pressure the way they should. The only other thing would be a weak fuel pump.

[efgh]

The fuel has to be draining back into the tank and when trying to start after a extended period of time the fuel pump has to reprime the fuel system,I would replace the primer bulb, that costs the least and go from there.

[Chris Haley]

DS is right on this one. A carb appointment is in order. If it takes more than three pumps for the bulb to be rock hard, you need a new bulb also.

[Surface Tension]

I start with what has been suggested. Check the hose for leaks or loose connections. Check the bulb, it should stay hard after you pump it up. Go ahead and change the fuel filter. When you choke it you should hear a solenoid engage, if your not hearing that you've probably found the problem.

Next step would be to check the pressure from the fuel pump and then to a carb cleaning.

[Guest]

I wouldnt be surprised if the choke isnt working. I had a similar problem in the past with a motor with a manual choke.. I pulled and pulled and pulled and finally got it running 15 minutes later(35 degrees outside). I later found the my choke disconnected.. I felt pretty stupid. They will start right up once they are already warmed up without a choke.. when they are cold.. it can take a long time.

[MuskyNutz]

Thanks guys! I just bought the motor last year so who knows when the carbs were cleaned last. I do hear the choke engage, but it isn't a loud click, like I hear on my yamaha....and never having owned an evinrude before I didn't know if this was normal. It's starting to make sense to me now. I'll start with the choke and then move on to the carbs. They could probably use a good once over anyways. Thanks.

[Valv]

Your choke isn't a choke lever actually, it's a primer, it sprays a little extra gas into the carb.

They do go bad, you might want to have it checked.

[Guest]

Valv.. I dont have the motor anymore... but it was an old evinrude.. I am almost certain all the choke lever did on the one was open and close the butterfly... I could be wrong, but it definitly operated the butterfly and was the reason I couldnt get it started.

On the elecric ignition motors.. when the key is pressed, yes, that is a primer.

Either way.. it wasnt starting with the butterfly wide open. It has to be closed to start in the cold.

If the motor is ancient or new.. if it equipped with a choke/primer.. your not going to be happy if the butterfly doesnt close(if its equipped with one) when you go to start cold. If the motor has an air cleaner, you can take it off an look at the butterfly.. see if it closes when you hit the choke/primer when cold starting.

If there is a butterfly, and its not closing.. have someone else hit the key and cover the air intake with your hand and see if it fires right away. If there is fuel in the carb/cylindar, it should fire immediately.

[Surface Tension]

Yep, same principle with the choke or primer. I have a hunch that is the problem with this outboard.

[primetime49]

take hood off on top of black plastic 3 to 4 inch tall i and half inch wide device on side you will see red lever first remember where its turned to now and dont forget than hve someone crank motor while you turn it to its other positon if it starts right up you have a choke problem.if not you have a plugged filter in pump. if not maybe a jet but if it starts good when warm not if you can pump pressure hard on bulb and it holds its good and you dont have a bad hose or bulb,