Logo
FULL SITE MENU

trouble starting evinrud 40hp tiller outboard

M

mpozna

New member
1989 evinrude 40 hp tiller vro outboard

If motor sits for a week or so, it won’t start unless given a little shot of ether in the air cleaner. Then, starts right up, runs, starts, stops, trolls perfectly all day. Let it sit for a couple of days, won’t start without the ether. Other than that runs excellent.
Use high octane gas, new plugs, primer bulb gets good and hard. Replaced line from motor to tank, including new bulb.
This issue has been getting worse over the years. Began by just being harder to start, progressing to even harder to start, to requiring ether to start.
What should I be looking for?
Also, does this unit have a fuel pump or is it all vaccum and pressure?
 
are you using the primer system to start the motor? if so have you checked to see if the primer is putting gas in to the carbs? It has a fuel pump that works on vaccum and pressure.
 
You need to review the starting procedure for this motor.------------Explain in detail how you go about starting it after a few days.
 
starting procedure: pump bulb, hit electric choke button and hold, hit starter button. as soon as it fires, let off choke, tap choke if necessary to keep running when cold. when warm is not a problem.

have had this motor since new in 89. wasn't a problem before, started right up. has been an issue that is getting worse for the last two years.

boat and motor is run in farm ponds and lake erie only. winterized and stored over the winter. (run fuel out of carb, siphon out gas, add stabil) has always fired right up in the spring. this is a recent issue.

dealer gets $95/hour, a little steep, trying to remedy myself. not a mechanic, but have mechanical ability, just can't figure this one out.

coueytwo: what do you mean by primer. do you mean the bulb? it builds up good pressure.

appreciate suggestions.
 
The electric primer on the motor should " click " when you push in the key.---------------Failing that you can use the electric primer manually by turning the red lever.---------------------Turn the key to " on " and push in -----DO YOU HEAR IT CLICK ??
 
racerone: there is no key or red lever. this is a tiller model. There is a man overboard switch with a red key, which must be installed to start motor.

jim18611865: will try that, maybe later today and reply.
 
Sounds to me as though the carb lowspeed orfices need a good cleaning,Why not just do a clean and kit the carb?? Its pretty easy and straight forward.Any mechanical ability you will have no problem with the simple carb!!
 
The primer bulb on the hose is nothing but a " manual fuel pump " it fills the carburetors ( nothing else )----------------The tiller motors may have a manual primer pump that squirts fuel into the engine just the same as using something with ether.---------------------How are you operating the manual primer ????????------------------You mentioned hitting the electric choke !!!--------Do you hear the click of the electric choke / primer ??????????
 
Last edited:
Back
Top