65 Johnson 9.5 Won't start

[65johnsonkaufman]

First Post. Great website
My father in-law passed down his grandfathers old lonestar boat and 65 johnson to me. He said it the motor was locked up and hadnt started in 15 years. But after a few nights and a few parts, I had it up and going. I took it out for a test run and it ran like a top. I couldnt believe that I had a 44 year old motor up and running. Well, I took it out again this weekend and nothing! I tried for an hour but it wouldnt start. I tried putting gas in the carb and it would run for just a second and then die. I made sure the fuel line was wasnt clogged. Anybody have any ideas. Thanks for any help you guys may have and look forward to being a part of this site.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 65 Johnson 9.5 Won't start

try pumping the fuel bulb while it is running, see if it will keep running. also did you clean the carbs, and change the fuel lines to alcohol resistant fuels line, carb to tank.? great info here. i have one also. http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=299680

 

[mikesea]

Re: 65 Johnson 9.5 Won't start

facy you can get it to start then dies ,indicates fuel,its possible the newer formulated gas has eaten up your fuelpump diaphram and possibly fuel lines,its the ethonol from what i read,you may have carb issues as well,for same reason,you would be doing yourself a favor to get a spark tester as well,the old coils are prone to fail just due to age ,they can go bad just sitting,I am surprised by squeezing the ball and choking it ,it wont kick over,that leads to a problem fuel getting to the bowl,and or being sucked thru the choke ,At this point,do a spark test ,just to be sure,the kill buttons and or the wires to and from can ground out as well,therefore killing spark,if the engine gets running and will only run by squeezing the ball forcing fuel to the carb,that indicates a bad fuel pump,they can be rebuilt,if you are definatly getting spark and gas to the carb,but engine runs poorly,its likely the carb has become gunked up by fuel breaking down the old rubber parts,you then need to rebuild the carb,even if you get it running again ,not putting any parts into it,I highly suggest you get a rebuild kit for the fuelpump and carb to insure against the new fuel problems from getting you when you dont expect it,that eng also uses points,condensors,they are a maint item which should be changed each season along with the waterpump impeller ,gear oil and lubrication at all fittings

 

[65johnsonkaufman]

Re: 65 Johnson 9.5 Won't start

Ok. Thanks for the good info. I did replace the fuel lines and lines from the gas tank. It seems like it doesnt get much "fire" when I pull on it. When I put the gas in the carb, it would have plenty of fire. I cant figure out why it ran so good 5 days ago and now I cant get anything. I will tinker with it more tonight. Thanks again

 

[bktheking]

Re: 65 Johnson 9.5 Won't start

I'd be pulling the flywheel and inspecting the coils/point for condition. It's an old motor, kill switch could be grounded out as well, follow the stop button and test to see if it's it's got continuity when it's not being pushed. Sounds like a spark issue.

 

[PFS]

Re: 65 Johnson 9.5 Won't start

The same thing happened with mine when I first got it going. It turned out to be that the vent on the fuel tank needed to be open.

 

[bktheking]

Re: 65 Johnson 9.5 Won't start

I'd be pulling the flywheel and inspecting the coils/point for condition. It's an old motor, kill switch could be grounded out as well, follow the stop button and test to see if it's it's got continuity when it's not being pushed. Sounds like a spark issue.

Disregard, fire to me means spark not an engine running, if it runs putting gas in the carb it might be venting, pump or a carb due for rebuild.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 65 Johnson 9.5 Won't start

read awakening a sleeping out board, in the link i gave you. it very well be coils failing, after sitting, and then running and heating up. (cracked)

also check you spark and compression per the post also. spark should jump 5/16 inch. compression 60 up, but should be with in 10%.

 

[65johnsonkaufman]

Re: 65 Johnson 9.5 Won't start

You guys are great. I did check the vent for the tank and it was closed. But I ran it fine for about an hour last week with it that way. I checked the fuel lines, pump and the carb and they seem to be fine. I will keep tinkering with it over the next few days. I appreciate all the advice. This is a pretty cool site.

 

[bktheking]

Re: 65 Johnson 9.5 Won't start

And they will run fine for a while with the vent closed until you notice the plastic tank being sucked inward to the point that your motor won't run anymore.