(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 pa$$ thru it in order to prime and start the engine. Looking upon this solenoid as a electric choke results in a better understanding of it.
Having that red lever turned in the opposite direction, facing away from the solenoid, allows fuel to flow thru it to the crankcase area. One would only turn the red lever to this position in a case where the battery might go dead and the engine had to be started via the rope pull method. Look upon putting the red lever in this position as moving a choke lever on a choke equipped engine to the full closed position. Either one would supply fuel to the crankcase/engine for starting purposes BUT if left in that position while running would flood the engine.
The later model primer solenoids are equipped with a schrader valve, used for attaching a pressurized can of fogging oil etc, available at your local dealership with complete instructions.
Pumping the fuel primer bulb up hard fills the carburetor float chambers of course, but that process also applies fuel pressure to the primer solenoid.
The two small hoses leading from the primer solenoid branch off via tees to each fuel manifold section that would feed fuel to the individual cylinders.
Pushing the key in activates the primer solenoid to allow fuel to flow thru it to the intake manifold pa$$ageways. 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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(Proper Starting Method - Fuel Primer Solenoid - Choke Butterflies)
(J. Reeves)
Cold Engine: Pump fuel primer bulb up hard. Increase throttle somewhat with whatever type control you might have UNLESS your engine is equipped with the "Fast Start" feature. Turn key to start position. As engine cranks over, push in key to activate the fuel primer solenoid OR to close the choke butterfly(s). (Fuel is drawn into the crankcase with every upward stroke of the pistons).When engine fires/starts, release the key. Should engine start to die out, push key in (just a tap) as needed to activate primer solenoid OR choke butterfly(s) in order to momentatily increase the fuel flow.
Warm engine: Pump fuel primer bulb up hard. Turn key to start position. When engine fires/starts, release the key. If engine does not fire/start within 6 revolutions, push in key to activate fuel primer solenoid OR choke butterfly(s) as needed.
This is assuming that the engine is as it should be in all respects (Compression, Ignition, Carburetion, Fuel Supply, etc).
NOTE: Many boaters with the engines incorporating the "Fuel Primer Solenoid" use a method to start their "cold" engine(s) whereas they pressurize their fuel primer bulb, then without cranking the engine over (Key ON), they push in the key to energize the fuel primer solenoid. This allows the pressurized fuel line to have fuel flowing directly into the intake manifold area... a puddle of fuel mixture sitting there waiting to be drawn in as soon as the engine cranks over. Many swear by this method... a matter of choice, opinion, whatever. However, what OMC originally recommended is as you see stated above this paragraph... but then again... whatever works for you.
Engines incorporating the older choke butterfly setup..... Of course, with the engine NOT running but with the key in the ON position, pushing the key in to activate the choke results in closing the butterfly (butterflies) but does absolutely nothing other then to verify that the choke assembly is operational. The engine must of course be cranking over to create the needed vacuum to drawn the fuel into the crankcase.
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