How Do You Start A Carbureted, Electric Start Outboard Motor?
• Make sure the fuel tank vent is open and clear. • Squeeze the primer bulb on the fuel line repeatedly until it is firm. • Move the throttle into the hi-idle position. On some controls, this is a lever beside the throttle/shift control that is lifted up far as it will go. On others, pushing a button located in the hub of the throttle lever allows you to advance the throttle without engaging forward gear. • Determine whether your motor has choke plates or an enrichment system. All outboards built before 1980 have choke plates; most of those built after 1982 have the enrichment system. The enrichener opens a valve that drains fuel into the manifold to provide a rich mixture for cold starting; choke plates accomplish the same result by blocking the flow of air into the front of the carb venturi. • If you have choke plates: push the key in while turning it over to the start position. Release the key when the motor starts. You may have a separate “choke” button instead of a “push-to-choke”
