Hard starting motor

[Scott K]

I have a 60 hp Johnson (approx 1995) that is difficult to start when cold. Once I start it up and go the first time, it will start pretty easily after that. Also, it smokes bad.

I'm probably going to take it in and have someone look it over.

Any recommendations for a shop to take it to in the Grand Rapids area?
Anyone have any idea on what kind of cost I'd be looking at?

[waterfoul]

Honestly, being a Johnson I am not at all surprised to read this. That being said... most 2 stroke motors are "cold blooded" after not being run for extended periods (more than a couple hours or so). BUT, carb tuning, fuel/oil mixture, and ambient temp are all major factors.

In GR, I would recomend Vans Sports on Alpine. Not sure where you live but there is also Murray Lake Marine north of town and R&K repair (in Wyoming).

[TONGA]

Is your cold primer working?

[Scott K]

The primer works, but I'm not sure if it is working properly. I hold it in to start it, but when I let it go it immediately quits. If I just keep holding it in it will also quit. I have to hold it in, let go, hold it in, let go etc for a while in order to keep it going.

[john warren]

carb adjustment and new plugs.

[Flash]

Just trying to apply this discussion to my application on a '73 40hp Merc. Cold blooded as well - typically 7-10 crank tries to get her started but once started, immediately restarts on the water after drifting through an area. For starting I use the choke but am not familiar with a "cold primer" unless that is the bulb I squeeze prrior to truning the key. There is a small black button near the key that I do not use - could that be the cold primer? If so, with the choke lever all the way forward and the key truned, does one depress this button also? I probably need plugs but once warm, she starts as soon as the juice hits her. It can sometimes be 2 weeks between starts during fishing season.

[ricochet]

Give her a couple shots when cold should start right up . Do not go crazy pushing the primer as flooding will occur

[pp185xlt]

I dont know if I would take it to Vans Sports Center, I would only trust them with older motors. Where in west michigan are you?

[Scott K]

I'm in Wyoming, but the boat is stored in Jenison.

[pp185xlt]

I think there is a guy in hudsonville that works on motors, I dont know the name though. There is camp and cruise in Marne (Not sure if they work on Johnson/Evinrude), Advantage Marine in Zeeland, and Drummond Marine in Holland.

Like its been said before, some outboards are just cold blooded, I have seen alot where where you have to keep pushing on and off the primer.