1986 johnson 15 hp Carburator float

francoli

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Jan 8, 2007
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Hi everyone, I am looking to rebuild the carburetor on my 1986 15 hp johnson outboard, I ordered the kit from Iboats but all the kits that I've seen online do not include a float for this motor. The one that is in the carb right now is made out of cork and I would like to replace it with a plastic one. Does anyone know where I can get one? or should I just leave it alone. The motor only gets to 4700 rpms at WOT but I can get it to 5100 rpms if I pull on the choke a bit, I suspect a partially dirty main jet but would like to replace everything while I'm at it. thanks
 

OBJ

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Dec 27, 2002
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10,161
Re: 1986 johnson 15 hp Carburator float

Welcome to iboats francoli!

A cork float in an 86' 15 carb is unusual since the old corkers ain't been around in a while. You want to replace it with the new float. You can get one from any J/Rude dealership. PN is 396514 and will set you back about $9 with tax.

When you set the float level, make sure the needle is in place with the keeper spring. Invert the carb body and bent the float tang to set the float level with the carb bowl gasket surface. Look in the FAQ section and there is a really great article on 9.9/15's that will show you what to do with the carb.

Here's the link.

http://forums.iboats.com/bbBoard.cgi?a=viewthread;fid=36;gtid=1035576

In cleaning the carb, it's a good idea to soak it in carb cleaner and then use carb cleaner in a can to blow out all the passages. If you have access to compressed air, follow up with air. This will make sure all the ports and passages are open.

If you have any other questions, just post them here.
 

DHPMARINE

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Dec 16, 2003
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3,688
Re: 1986 johnson 15 hp Carburator float

Maybe you should post your model #. I think your original carb had a composite float (not cork).

At any rate,after market kits seldom have floats included,and they don't sell them.

The original carb uses a #396514 float,just under $9.The complet kit #398453 complete kit (including float) about $20.00.These are OMC/BRP numbers,and my pricebook is Aug/2006.

What did the kit you bought cost?

DHP
 

DHPMARINE

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3,688
Re: 1986 johnson 15 hp Carburator float

see OBJ,you can type faster than me !!

DHP
 

OBJ

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Dec 27, 2002
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10,161
Re: 1986 johnson 15 hp Carburator float

see OBJ,you can type faster than me !!

BLAHHHAAAHAHAHAHA!!! No why DHP.....I just started earlier.....like about 15minutes earlier.....d:)d:)

Nuts!.....now I gotta' clean up Diet-Coke.....d:)
 

francoli

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Jan 8, 2007
Messages
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Re: 1986 johnson 15 hp Carburator float

Thanks for the info OBJ, looks like it's a cork float to me, I bought the motor used last year, it could be that the previous owner changed the carb on it???
 

francoli

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Jan 8, 2007
Messages
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Re: 1986 johnson 15 hp Carburator float

Just took the carb apart again, it is definately a cork float, the motor# is J15RCDE and the carb # is 395912 MX 15 GK, does anyone know if this is the original carb? I Cleaned all the passages with carb cleaner and compressed air, the kit will be in tomorrow, I paid $9 for the kit, I plan to re-use the float for now because I'm going out on a duck hunting trip on saturday. I will know then if it takes care of the problem. It looks ok but I do plan to change it in the near future.
 

francoli

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Jan 8, 2007
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Re: 1986 johnson 15 hp Carburator float

OK I rebuild carb, adjusted float level parallel with the base of the carb, took the boat out yesterday, and had a small increase in rpm from 4700 to 4900 but pulloing the choke brings it up to 5100, am I missing something, should i adjust the float higher, could it be that not enough fuel gets in the bowl?
 

ezeke

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Joined
Sep 19, 2003
Messages
12,532
Re: 1986 johnson 15 hp Carburator float

Not the float. You are probably running lean - mix is too much air or not enough fuel.

If all of the connections are tight and there are no air leaks such as around the new gaskets, then adjust your low speed needle and check the high speed orifice [jet] to be sure that you have the right one.

The high speed should be a 45 PN 0323151 now 0326858 unless it was superseded or you are at a high elevation.
 

OBJ

Supreme Mariner
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Dec 27, 2002
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10,161
Re: 1986 johnson 15 hp Carburator float

Couple things to check.....as ezeke posted....low speed needle.....turn the needle all the way in until GENTLY seated and back out 1 1/2 turns. Start your low speed adjustment there.

Cam follower roller.....it's that roller that sets to the upper right of the carb. Look on the cam for a reference mark. When this mark is centered on the roller, the throttle plate should just start to move in the open direction. Adjust that little allen head screw on the cam roller lever, in or out to make any adjustments needed.

Also, it could be that the cork float is getting fuel logged a little and won't just the needle completely so you get a little much fuel for the air.

I have and always will recommend OEM carb kits for any engine over the aftermarkets. You get what you need to do the job right.
 
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