Johnson 225HO problem

[javelin225ho]

Guys, I have recently had to push in the choke to get my boat out of the hole.  When i put it down to take off, the motor dies on me.  When i hear it starting to go, i push in the key and it will take off.  i have no problems with running, just getting it going.  Also, when i go to put it on the trailer, if i need to give it a bump to get it on the whole way, the motor will die on me also.  I am thinking its a fuel problem, maybe changing out my filter, which its about time to do, maybe clean the carb's on it again?  would replacing the fuel lines or bulb make a difference?  Im stuck now and hate having to chase a problem with money, time and parts.  Can anyone help me narrow down the problem?

[BassBUFF]

Sounds like a fuel delivery problem to me also since choking it seems to help. Could be a float issue since it's only happening at of-idle. Have you checked your fuel lines and bulb to make sure they aren't collapsing under vacuum?

[Russ199A]

You may also want to uncouple you fuel line from the pump bulb and blow back into the tank. If you got something in there that is plugging up the screen. I don't know on all of these but I thought that the 225HO was fuel injected??? What year of is the engine?
If it is dieing and needs choked to stay running, then it is running lean or starving for fuel.
Here is what I would check that won't cost anything.

1. Like Buff said, check your lines for collapse.
2. If the lines aren't collapsing, check them for holes or loose connections. You maybe sucking air.
3. If it is carbed, check the phyical condition of the exterior of them to make sure something didn't come loose or break. (I had a small plastic part on my fast strike break and it stuck me at WOT. Had to use the key to kill the engine before I ran into the BBB bridge) 
4. If you have a small mirror and flashlight, check to make sure your butterflies on the carbs are moving properly and not sticking.
5. This one will sound a little crazy but trust me it works, Get a can of WD-40 and lube the moving parts of the carbs and spray your fuel lines. This will loosen any gummy buildup in the carbs, help you detect pin holes and it will seal some small air leaks.
6. With the engine stopped!!! Move your throttle (hand or hot foot) and check that everthing is moving properly and not binding up somewhere.

Hope that will give you a starting point.

[Chris Carson Marine]

YOU HAVE RECEIVED LOTS OF GREAT ADVICE, HOWEVER IN MY OPINION YOU SIMPLY HAVE A LEAN CONDITION COMING OFF IDLE. THE FIRST THING TO TRY IS CLEANING THE CARBS. AND ADJUSTING THE AIR JETS. THE PROBLEM IS PROBABLY DUE TO ETHONOL INDUCED VARNISH DOWNSIZING THE IDLE FUEL JETS. YOU MIGHT SOLVE THE LEAN LAG BY ADJUSTING THE IDLE AIR JETS, HOWEVER YOU STAND TO RISK YOUR MOTOR BECAUSE THE SAME VARNISH THAT IS IN YOUR IDLE JETS IS ALSO GOING TO BE IN YOUR MAIN JETS, DOWN SIZED MAIN JETS BURN PISTONS AT HIGH SPEED. BE SAFE AND GET THOSE CARBS CLEANED..