Johnson Motor

[red dog 111]

What is the secret, to start a 40hp - 1998 Johnson electric start when it is cold?

[luredaddy]

Not exactly the same motor, but I have a 2000 Johnson, 35 HP. I turn on the key and push the key in and count to ten, donot engage the starter. Then push the key in, and at the same time, let the starter crank. Turn the key off, then push the key in again, turn the key to the right, holding it in while it cranks . It always starts for me then. I then pump the key in and out until it runs on its own. It works for me!

[VMS]

I have a 99 50 hp (same exact engine make-up) and this is what I have found:

I push the choke in 3 times and hold in for about 1-2 seconds each time. Then, I push it in and hold it when I turn the key. Definitely want to make sure your throttle lever is up, and things should go from there.

If you are having trouble, and the motor quits on you when warm and at idle, you may want to have your timing checked. I checked mine a couple of years ago (actually after the first year I had it) and found the timing was off a bit. Adjusted it and it has been purring ever since.

Steve

[reddog 111]

Thanks guys for the advice. I pushed the button with the key turned on and held it for about ten seconds. Then I pulled the throttle lever all the way up. Next I held the button in while I turned the key on. And bang it started up. This is a first for this motor. On the dieing after the motor is warm, I have found that if you open the carb adjustment screws 3 1/2 to 4 turns the motor runs great and will idel a lot slower without stopping. If you get a backfire sound when the motor is running slow then it is running to lean. opening up these jets will solve that problem. I have never checked the timming on mine so I don't no what's going on there.
THANKS AGAIN reddog 111