Engine wont start...

[K.I.S.S.]

I have a 85 Johnson 90hp. The issue is that the engine will start just fine in my driveway, connected to the mickey ears. When I drop it in the water, the engine turns but will not catch.

Any Ideas on this one?

[kenJ]

Back in the late '60s I had an Evinrude like that. Think it was God's way of preventing me from killing myself or brothers.

Actually it is probably something simple. Either no spark, or no fuel. Have you cleaned the carb and or fuel tank recently? If not, perhaps sediment is getting shaken up during the drive to launch and preventing adequate fuel flow. Is the angle of the motor/boat different when in the water causing a short in the ignition circuit? If electric start it could be in the wiring between the switch and engine.

[K.I.S.S.]

It appears to be something with the Carbs. I can get it to start right up when I I manually open the carbs while trying to start, when in the water. When out of the water, it starts just fine. I do have an issue in my control box, the fast idle adjustment is very loose. I am going to take it out of the console and take a look at the wires. One of my mechanic friends told me that it may be a streached or broken throttle control cable. I will also pull the plugs and fuel lines to make sure that they are clean. I will also take a look at the tank itself.

Any other ideas are always welcome.. thanks for the help so far.

Keep It Simple Stupid(K.I.S.S.)

[bilgeboy]

I can't imagine anything different whether you are on the hard or plunged. Must be coincidental??

Or...the trim is different, and there is indeed something wrong with the carbs. Different trim/attitude affecting needle valve / floats / jets. I've heard of problems like that.

Mike

[Poida]

I had a Johnson that did the same thing. I wondered if it was because of the air trapped in the cover that cooled when you put the boat in the water, deposited condensation in the electrical system.

So, when I got to the carpark of the boat ramp I would start the engine to warm it up. Remember that the water only cools the engine not lubricate it, so running the engine without water doesn't harm it unless you run it long enough to overheat.

Running it for about 15 seconds is just enough to get it warm, then put it in the water, start it again before leaving to park your car and trailer.

After I did that I had no more problems.

We could be talking a different climate. The difference in temperature between where I lived and the early morning marina temperature could have been enough to cause a problem. But, not where you live, however thought I'd mention it.

[kenJ]

Water is needed to lubricate the cooling water impeller. Running it without water, even for a few seconds is not a good idea.

[bilgeboy]

Got to agree with KenJ on that idea. I started my diesels once with the seacocks closed because of my absent minded nature.



The Johnson / Evinrudes have a similar set-up inside the lower unit.

It is interesting Poida that there are some reasons why you might have this kind of problem. Its a good riddle IF its not total coincidence.

Mike