A dilemma: Lots of work done, no lake to test on near shop.

[E_S_A_D]

So I have an old 1970s 50 hp Johnson outboard. The motor hasn't run right from day 1. It would stall out in gear, 'cough' when WOT, but run GREAT on ear muffs. Although it would take lots of starts on muffs.

So, I finally got it to a reputable mechanic. He determined great compression, whew. He then noticed the carburetors were awful and full of crud. Took 24 hours to let soak and clear the 'junk' out of them. Also replaced the plugs.

Now it starts right up, shifts in gear fine he says, and runs great... PROBLEM? ON EAR MUFFS. Ughh.. here's the dilemma. The closest lake is about an hour away where we'd be headed to.

My question for you guys is... Does it make sense that the carburetor was the issue? Would that cause it to run on land great, but stall in water in gear?

 

[Sea18Horse]

Re: A dilemma: Lots of work done, no lake to test on near shop.

I would say there's an excellent chance that the carb was the problem. Or at least a problem. That said I find it hard to imagine a "reputable" mechanic who doesn't have a test tank? Or can't at least rig up a barrel or a garbage can or something to run it in? Granted you wouldn't really be able to test wot performance in a barrel even with a test wheel but at least you could tell if it's going to start and shift & what-not without dieing. That's what I'd do anyway. And I'm not even a reputable mechanic. (Not of outboards anyway. )

Cheers....................Todd

P.S. btw how can you be an hour away from water in Michigan? Nevada or New Mexico maybe but Michigan?

 

[Rscardina]

Re: A dilemma: Lots of work done, no lake to test on near shop.

I agree with seahorse... carbs all the way, especially if they were crudded as you say.

secondly, I have to imagine this guy, if in the business of outboard repair, has to have a test tank or barrell.. how else to you run a motor through its paces??.. granted, over the years i;m sure some have figured out how to do a whole lot without a test tank.. like setting rpms a little higher on muffs knowing it will drop within reason in the water with backpressure...

I say take her out and see how she does...or as seahorse stated go get a barrel that fits the leg, high enough of course...and run her..dont got WOT but shift and do what you do...at least if it acts up you arent an hour away.

 

[d.boat]

Re: A dilemma: Lots of work done, no lake to test on near shop.

Just take an evening and go to the lake and give it a try. Hour there, hour in the water, hour back, is a nice evening boat ride, take a picnic, and you won't even miss the late news.

 

[jonesg]

Re: A dilemma: Lots of work done, no lake to test on near shop.

Just take an evening and go to the lake and give it a try. Hour there, hour in the water, hour back, is a nice evening boat ride, take a picnic, and you won't even miss the late news.

Agree absolutely, why pay interest on borrowed troubles ?

you're already assuming it will not run well.