200 Hp Johnson Outboard Cold Start Procedure

In this video I demonstrate the cold start procedure I go through when starting my 1999 Johnson 200 Hp outboard on my Stratos 295 Pro Elite bass boat. This procedure will answer the question how to cold start an outboard motor.

The Johnson 150 Hp, 175 Hp, 200 Hp, 225 Hp, and 250 Hp carburetor outboard motors can be difficult and hard to start. This procedure, I have found, makes the starting process easier and doesn't flood the motor.

[fleetwin]

OK, well it shouldn't be this difficult to start. The important thing to remember is that the "electric primer" is only a valve, it relies on the pressure you have built up in the system by priming that primer bulb. Pressing the key in only opens the valve, which will do nothing if there is no pressure in the line. So, you are absolutely correct by priming up that bulb, and holding it vertically like that will help. Holding the key in like that (without cranking the engine) will allow extra fuel to flow into the intake until the fuel pressure is relieved, which is accomplished in a few seconds. While cranking the engine, its fuel/oil pump delivers extra pressure to keep the primer working when the key is pushed inwards.
This engine has a feature called "quikstart", which was a crude attempt by OMC to compete with the fuel injected engines of the day. Quikstart raises the timing slightly so the engine can be started at its idle position using the primer when it is cold. This "feature" is oftentimes misunderstood by technicians as well as owners. But, you can hear quikstart "working" when the engine is started at idle in the water, RPM will be slightly elevated and the engine runs a little rough until it warms slightly and quikstart shuts off. Again, this is not the most effective feature, coupled with a lack of knowledge of how it works, usually leads to confusion and difficult cold starts. But, I have found it works pretty well in most instances.
The reality is that once the engine starts using the primer and quikstart, it will probably have to be "feathered along" with a few taps of the primer to keep it running when cold. These engines are cold blooded, and will cough/sneeze/stall until somewhat warmed up withouth helping them along with the electric primer valve. All that being said, it is perfectly fine to start it "the old fashioned way" by partially advancing the throttle to help it start quicker and stay running when cold.
So, if owners are doing "everything right", and the engine still is hard to start, there are some things to look for. First, the electric primer valve may not be working. If you remove the engine cover, turn the key to "on" and push it in, you should hear the valve "click". If not, there is a problem. But, even if the valve "clicks", that doesn't mean it is working properly. Another simple test is to push the key in to its prime position while the engine is idling, the engine should stall immediately. If not, or it takes a while to stall, there is an issue. Oftentimes, the little primer ports get plugged with debris, so the fuel can't flow well enough into the manifold even though the primer is working.
To me, the old choke system was easier to use and understand for most people. But, at the time OMC was "trying to keep up with competition", admittedly this system didn't measure up... Hope this helps. Don

[IanBelk]

Im from New Zealand i like your suggestions thanks

[roughrider]

I really appreciate your video! We just bought an '87 bass boat with an '89 Johnson 200 GT. Now I won't have to get frustrated the first time we get it on the water. 😂

[psychodad]

Johnson outboards are a beast to crank.

[jessemoua]

Thanks, this is probably the best procedure I've seen. The 10 sec hold works great. Mine start the first time after this procedure.

[zebra]

Every year running down my battery trying to get this beast started that first start of the year. This procedure worked!! Never knew this. Thanks again Roll Tide

[ct]

the correct procedure: after pumping the bulb, push the key in 4-6x in the ON position. Crank engine. Done. your method im sure works, but accomplishes the same thing pushing the key in and out does and just takes way longer. not criticizing you at all, just that these primers are a different part # than the ones for the smaller motors, even though they look identical. these have alot more power to push fuel into the intake manifold/reed box. the v4 and below (crossflow) has the primer that is pushed in continuously when turning the key, as the motors vacuum takes over.

[lmt-adventures]

Nice tips thanks 🙏 My old 50hp Johnson does 33mph on a old and heavy Cajun Bass boat. Plenty of smiles per hour haha

[saintsfisherman]

ok got it. Pump water in the bottom, and pump gas in the top. Roger. ha ha I just got a 200 yamaha so I am learning larger motors. I have never had over a 9.9 so this is all new to me. Thanks for the video.

[brucevay]

Great info. got to try this method. after I fix the bendix I burned up trying to start it, after rebuilding at least on carb and checking the pulse limiters on the electric gas squirter system.
Much more and I go to a 4 stroke.

[abrahamwilson]

That was excellent information. I was have the same issues until I watched the video and tried it. It worked flawlessly. Thanks

[MrEyethautunew]

I have two of these and no matter how hard they are to start, they always do. Love these motors.

[hmongxwb]

Hey notice you have a hotfoot without the return hook or whatever its called i just bought a boat that have the same without the return hook on it wonder if the owner purposely took it off or its like that

[cynthiadaw]

I have a 1999 2 strock 150 johnson ocean pro. Tuff motors!! One time I made a mistake by have my water hose out to screw it I the top and water running. Well I said to myself, I gotta connect my battery. Well I did that. Then prim my motor. Did that. Then start my motor. Did that. Ran motor. But guess what? My motor stopped running cause i forgot to screw water hose in!! The story is, make sure you always put your hose in first cause my mind likes to multitask and the you forget stuff...being in a hurry. The motor was okay but I burnt my pump up. Very close call. But I'll never forget my water again. I'm very meticulous about my stuff. But it happens!! Love my boat!!

[alfakilla]

Yep...appreciate the video...I'm about to change my plugs and if it's still cold starting will try your technique 👍🏿

[mauriceriley]

Hello
I’m just joining the evinrude/Johnson motor family I have a 1997 40hp vro and I will be trying this king forward to it as well. I’ve had the hardest time starting it.

[RuggedSportsmen]

Dang! That’s harder starting than my 97 evinrude 200 ocean pro. I used to crack the throttle but realized it was sucking too much air and would dump fuel out the exhaust when it would try to start. My procedure is: squeeze primer bulb until hard, push in choke for 10 seconds, after 10 seconds leave choke pushed in and try to crank it over. It usually fires up but if it starts to run rough push the key back in to choke it a little more till it smoothes out. Great reliable engines and tons of power!

[daddski]

I like your videos friend but the choke for ten seconds does nothing. When you pump up the squeeze ball it fills the lines with pressure., as soon as you push in the choke it dumped that fuel in a half a second and doe NOT refill or keep going. It is just a solenoid that is open or closed, it does not pump. Just squeeze the ball, hit the choke while turning the engine over. The fast start will kick in and it will just fire. The rest is not needed nor does it work. (My experience? 54 years and going as a marine mechanic and repair shop owner)

[chucklemon]

THAT SOUNDS LIKE A SICK MOTOR THERE MATE . MY MOTOR IS PRIME, PUSH KEY IN FOR APPROX 5 SECS THEN START. LEAVE FOR COUPLE MINUTES AND FAST IDLE WILL DROP AND YOUR GOOD TO GO.I HAVE A 97 115 JOHNSON OCEAN PRO SO NOT TO DISSIMILAR TO YOURS.

[deanlockamy]

I have a Johnson Evinrude 115 V4 and its the same every time it takes many tries to get it going, but once it starts its good all day.