1990 Johnson 175 hp starting rough

[THEFERMANATOR]

Originally Posted by jamesbalog

Now that I think of it the choke may be my problem. On the merc I had on my last boat I could hear I distinct clicking sound with the choke engaged, I am not hearing any clicking with this motor.

Also the last time I had the boat out it wasn't just the first start that gave me problems. But if I took the boat out of gear and gave it gas it would fire right up.

You have to pull the cowling off to hear the choke on the OMC's as it is simply a primer solonoid not an actual choke mechanism on the carbs. And most engines will start better in neutral with the throttle opened slightly. Sounds like you need to go through the carbs and do a link and sync and make sure everything is in order. When in doubt it is much cheaper to do the maintence than an engine repair.