Cold Blooded Outboard

I’ve got a 1984 Johnson 115 horse, and I have to turn it over for a good amount of time before she wants to go when she’s cold. Once the motor is warm it starts and runs perfectly. I put new plugs and wires on it at the very end of last year. Is there any thing that I can do to make my motor a little more cooperative when it’s cold?

If its a V-4 your probably going to have to live with it. I had a 87′ 90 horse Evinrude that ran in the exact way you described. Those motors were really popular back then, and you still see a-lot of them around today. Everyone I’ve talked to that has one experiences the same problems, and I haven’t heard of any sure cures for it. The only upside is that the motors were built well, and will last a long time as long as the oil pump hangs in there.
SEDNERB

My 90 horse evinrude was just as your’s. Very cold blooded. One thing I learned quickly was each time out I had to make sure the primer bulb was pumped till it felt solid. If I did that at the begining of the day the motor started and ran fine the whole day. I also had to use the warm up lever when the motor was cold. I guess that’s why it’s there eh? Those engines are real work horses but they love the gas.

Herb,
Yup, that’s exactly the way I started mine. And yes, they are for surely huge gas consumers. I bought a newer boat this year with a 125 Mariner, and it delivers better gas mileage than the 90 horse did. Good motors though, that Evinrude never left me stranded.
SEDNERB

Thanks for the info guys. Does anyone know what rpm’s I should be running with my motor? The guy that I bought the boat from had to rebuild the motor and I want to make sure i’m not doing it any harm. thanks

I don’t have my 90 anymore but it never ran over 5400 rpm just because of the set-up I had. I believe redline is in the 5800 to 6000 range. Find a dealer and ask to make sure.