Trouble Starting it UP.

[PeteV]

Greetings.

I'm having some trouble getting the engine to start up & could use some advice. The engine is an old 1988 Johnson 70 hp 2 stroke.

I had the engine tuned up & know it runs. But recently the tank was drained and now I'm having trouble trying to get the engine to come back to life. I don't think fuel is making its way back to the engine. I've put some gas in the tank and squeezed the little ball on the fuel line to prime the engine but I'm not feeling any firmness or gas making its way through the line. also the Racor filter is dry. I've checked the Kill switch a few times and its OK. any helpful tips.

Thank you,
Pete

[Pauper Piscator]

The good news is that it sounds like the problem is in the tank/delivery system, not fuel pump etc.

Are the fuel lines etc from 1988 as well? ;)

[CaptSuperfly]

I had a similar problem with the pick up tube from the tank being clogged. To check, buy a small, inexpensive portable tank and run it straight to the engine. If you have the same problem, the problem is in the tank. If the problem disappears, you know it is from the bulb down.

The valves in the bulb itself can also break down, so spring for a new one with the portable tank.

When you're having problems with the main tank, it's good to have a backup anyway to avoid being stranded.

[detra]

Hi,

I had a 1975 85hp envinrude till last year. Sounds like you had one of the many problems that I've experienced over the years. From most to least likely...

1. To check fuel line remove engine connection, prop ball in connectio open with a nail and squeeze bulb, fuel should pour out. Frequently the little rubber gaskets crack in the connections and need replacement.

2. To check fuel pump, follow fuel line into engine, the small house shaped thing is your diaphragm fuel pump, there should be a screw on it that opens to a screen that sometimes gets clogged. Out flow from pump should have fuel in it if pump is working.

3. My engine was sensitive to battery charge. Without a full charge battery wouldn't start. Sometimes it would sound like it was spinning fast enough but wouldn't start until we jumped or pull started it. Also check for battery lead corrosion, if the cables are warm you have corrosion and should replace them.

4. After long storage carburators sometimes get clogged or varnished? with old fuel. The only solution I've found for this is to tear off carbs soak with carb cleaner and reinstall.

5. Try starting fuel, sprayed directly into the carbs!

good luck

[maineguideman]

It sounds like your fuel system will not pressurize. If there is a crack in the fuel line or the fuel line is loose at a fitting (Hose clamps ) then the sysetem will suck in air instead of pulling fuel from the tank,
Try tightening the hose clamps;
try to find any cracks with a good inspecting ;
Make sure the racor is full and that the gasket has a good seal;
Repace any lines or the Pump bulb itself

[kgrupp]

First check the tube inside the gas tank to see if it's still there or it may have fallen off. The screen at the tube could be blocked up. One other thing is to make sure the vent is open on the tank. If the ball isn't getting firm, I'll almost guarantee is the tank.

Hope it helps