Re: Long Turnover Time

[jerry-ahrens]

When you say ”turn over” are you speaking about the starter motor actually taking 60 seconds to begin cranking the engine? Or does the motor crank for 60 seconds then it finally starts?
If the battery is marginal, or the starter motor is dragging, even a slight bit, then the ignition system cannot generate a good strong spark at the spark plugs. This can cause long cranking times, or the motor may not even start. A dragging starter is common, even though you would swear it sounds good.
After squeezing the primer bulb, and raising the warm up [fast idle] lever, crank the engine while you push in on the ignition switch [and hold it in] at the same time. If everything is right, it should fire up pretty quick… do not push in on the key untill the motor is cranking…. if you do, it will flood the motor! After the engine is running, you may need to push in on the choke momentarily to keep it running. This should work for a 1987 engine. Now if it is newer than this it may have Quick Start, which has a different procedure.
Another thing that comes to mind… take a look at the primer valve on the drivers side of the powerhead. It should have a little red lever on it… some may be black. They are notorious for cracking and will spray out fuel during a cold start up. You should be able to see the crack on the barrel of the red valve with a visual inspection. If it’s cracked, then replace it. Hope this helps!