1988 30 hp Johnson

It has a automatic prime system built on to the motor . I'm not sure if this is the correct terms . So right now when I try and start the motor it just cranks over and I get no gas . Is there any way of check it to see if the valve is open or is it getting juice ? Like with an ohms ? Any inforamtion would be great .

I take it this is the 30hp electric with the electric primer? The sequence for a proper start is so squeeze the bulb until firm. Turn the key switch to the ON position and push the key switch IN. While the key is pushed in turn it to START and crank the engine. The primer is activated by pushing the switch IN and the solenoid opens a fuel passage through it to the back side of the carburetor allowing the pressurized fuel to flow into the intake manifold as long as the key is pushed in. Simple test is to listen to the solenoid while pushing the key in repeatedly with the key in the on position. You should hear a clicking. Alternate test is to check for voltage at the purple/white lead on the primer solenoid, key on and pushed in.. If you want a visual confirmation then remove the small fuel line at the rear of the carb that attaches to the primer. Squeeze your fuel bulb then activate the primer and fuel should squirt as long as there is pressure and the key is on and pushed in. Simple system

Thanks , I had just picked this motor and boat up the other day , and the guy was trying to start it . And I thought that there was more to it than what he said . I have never owned one with electric primer on it . Anyway I could get it to run it I put some gas in the carb . But when I disconnect the fuel line I have no fuel up to the carb . Thats why I thought it may have something wrong with the electric primer , does it have a cut -off switch in the electric primer ?

Slow down and re-read my post. All the information is there. No, there is no cut off switch in the primer and no need for one. Push the key switch in - primer on, Release the key switch - primer off. No, there never will be fuel going to the carb when the fuel line is disonnected. What did you think that had to do with this? Remember that engine runs on no less than a 50:1 fuel oil mix.

I had a 40HP Johnson similar to yours. Mine would crank and crank for a long time before it would finally start.

I fiddled with it for months until I figured out the problem. I had a bad fuel hose going from my external tank to the engine. The ball wouldn't get firm when I squeezed it .... hardly any gas getting to the motor.

Bought a new hose .... problem solved! Fired up right away.

Well , it's funny you should say that , I was out messing with it and the bulb was pretty soft and I thought the same thing , If I can find one tomorrow I was going to replace everything and give it a go .

Next question to the group , How do you what size your carb you have on your motor ? Can you go off the casting number on the carb ? Like I have read on different forum where guys change the carb too a bigger one to extra horsepower out of the same engine .