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1987 225 hp Johnson VRO starting procedure

gradywhiteman

Contributing Member
I am getting ready to start the engine for the first time and I am not familiar with the starting procedure. I did not get an owners manual yet and I was just wondering if there is anything out of the ordinary that needs to be done? Also the engine was winterized by the previous owner.
 
Re: 1987 225 Johnson VRO starting procedure

If the VRO is disconnected, make sure that you are using a premixed fuel/oil mixture.

Pump the fuel primer bulb up hard.

Apply a slight bit of throttle, having the engine in neutral.

Turn the key to the START position and push and hold the key in (activating the primer solenoid). When engine fires, release the key to the ON position.

Adjust throttle as needed until it warms up.

(Fuel Primer Solenoid Function)
(J. Reeves)

The RED lever...... The normal operating/running position is to have that red lever positioned over top of the solenoid and aimed at the other end of the solenoid, gently turned to its stop. This is the normal/automatic mode position. Pushing the key in opens the valve within the solenoid allowing fuel to pass thru it in order to prime and start the engine. Looking upon this solenoid as a electric choke results in a better understanding of it.

Having that red lever turned in the opposite direction, facing away from the solenoid, allows fuel to flow thru it to the crankcase area. One would only turn the red lever to this position in a case where the battery might go dead and the engine had to be started via the rope pull method. Look upon putting the red lever in this position as moving a choke lever on a choke equipped engine to the full closed position. Either one would supply fuel to the crankcase/engine for starting purposes BUT if left in that position while running would flood the engine.

The later model primer solenoids are equipped with a schrader valve, used for attaching a pressurized can of fogging oil etc, available at your local dealership with complete instructions.

Pumping the fuel primer bulb up hard fills the carburetor float chambers of course, but that process also applies fuel pressure to the primer solenoid.
The two small hoses leading from the primer solenoid branch off via tees to each fuel manifold section that would feed fuel to the individual cylinders.
Pushing the key in activates the primer solenoid to allow fuel to flow thru it to the intake manifold passageways. Cranking the engine over causes the fuel pump to engage which in turn sends fuel pulses to the primer solenoid via the 3/8" fuel hose.
Some engines incorporates the "Fast Start" feature which automatically advances the spark electronically so no advance of the throttle is required for starting.
Engines that do not have the "Fast Start" feature will be required to have the throttle advanced slightly.
Starting procedure: pump fuel bulb up hard, crank engine and push the key in at the same time. When the engine fires/starts, release the key so that it falls back to the run position.
Bottom line..... Look upon the primer solenoid as an electric choke.

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Re: 1987 225 Johnson VRO starting procedure

Yes, pumping the primer bulb up hard is a must. This makes sure that the fuel lines, the VRO, and the carburetors are full of fuel for the initial start.
 
Re: 1987 225 Johnson VRO starting procedure

The oil bulb should stay hard over the winter. It's mostly used for the initial prime with a new pump or whatever. I usually do give it a squeeze before the first start of the season though, just to make sure
 
Re: 1987 225 Johnson VRO starting procedure

Thanks guys, I am still not sure about that vro ,but hopefully the warning horn works in case of a problem. The horn beeps when you turn the key on so the horn itself must work.
 
Re: 1987 225 Johnson VRO starting procedure

As long as it smokes a little and uses oil, don't worry about the VRO. Contrary to popular lore, more engines are blowed up by failure to premix properly than by that simple little well alarmed mixing pump.

Enjoy your new boat!
 
Re: 1987 225 Johnson VRO starting procedure

In agreement with dcramer. Let us know how your boating season goes for you.
 
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