1956 Johnson 5.5 HP without power

[Just Puttin']

I have a 1956 5.5HP Johnson outboard that starts fine, idles fine, and revs fine in neutral. As soon as I shift into gear, it runs at slow speed but when I rev it, it starts to go for 5 seconds and then putts and dies. Happens more in forward than reverse. Last attempt improved to maybe 2.5HP speed with pulling the choke half-way out, but not consistently.<br /> I've had the gas tank cleaned, an inline gas filter installed, the attached fuel filter cleaned, needle valves replaced, the plugs & plug wires replaced, and new points, but no change.<br /><br />Any ideas?

 

[horndog]

Re: 1956 Johnson 5.5 HP without power

the low speed idle needs to be adjusted.

 

[rolmops]

Re: 1956 Johnson 5.5 HP without power

Hello.<br />It sounds like she is not getting fuel.<br />It could just be an ajustment in the needle valves(the one on top is slow speed ,the one in the bottom is high speed).<br />If you run a pressure tank,try to run the engine in the water off a bottle of fuel held so you gravity feed the fuel into the carburator.If this improves performance you know that there is a fuel pressure problem,which can be a leak in your lines,a filter too many or dirt in your lines.Or a tank problem.<br />If the bottle does not help,and the valves are adjusted properly,you should clean your carburator and while you are at it, get rid of carbon build-up.<br />Good luck.

 

[44sparky]

Re: 1956 Johnson 5.5 HP without power

Try seeing if the tank holds pressure. Run engine for a few minutes and shut off, take soapy water and check around tank gasket and cap. You may see bubbles around gasket or screws, needs to be re-sealed. Also check connecter where gas and air lines join the engine. good luck.