15 HP Johnson starting problem

[alf1960]

I purchased a 1987 15 Hp Johnson. It will not fire when you try to start it. If I pull the plugs and squirt a little gas in each cylinder then it will start and keep running after a couple times of doing this. I had it running in a tank for about 45 minutes. If you shut it off it would start right up . Idled down real nice. After I had it shut down for about twenty minutes it would Not start again. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks Alan

 

[Rick.]

Re: 15 HP Johnson starting problem

Well you have spark! That's a good thing. There are sooo many things that could be the issue. I would suggest you go to the FAQ's section and read many of the articles it contains. It could be as simple as old gas and as complicated as poor compression issues. For a quick start I would check your compression, clean your carb., do a link and sync., and use some fresh gas. Once you get going you will have some questions and you will get answers here at this forum. Rick.

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=158086

 

[BaitThrower]

Re: 15 HP Johnson starting problem

What is your start procedure?

I have an '86 15hp and find fuel flow is always the issue when hard starting. Make sure you choke first and give a couple pulls until it kicks or over or almost kicks over, then choke in and try yank on the rope a few more times.

Sometimes after shutting it down I can't restart it again without going through the re-choking procedure (even if motor is still warm). Fuel seems to drain out of the carb fairly quickly on my engine, ut I rechoke and she kicks no problems.

Sometimes I will try a restart with no choke and it will sound like its about to kick over, then a few more pulls and it seems dead... Again, pull the choke to get the fuel flowing and go on from there. Of course when choke starting, as soon as it kicks over, try pushing the choke arm in straight away to keep it going, but if it dies on a choke start because you were too slow on the choke arm (gotta be quick) just push the lever in and start with no-choke and she should go ok.

 

[mikesea]

Re: 15 HP Johnson starting problem

be sure the choke is actually closing ,sometimes on those engines ,people put the choke lever in upside down,it seems like the choke is engaging,but it wont if upside down,if it starts ok with a prime and everything else like idle and high speed is ok,I think your choke has issues,

 

[jspringator]

Re: 15 HP Johnson starting problem

be sure the choke is actually closing

My choke sticks. The lever is out but sometimes the flap won't shut. Some kind prior owner put clear fuel line from the fuel pump to the carb, so you can see where the fuel is in the line. I'm going to pull the motor cover and check the choke and fuel before I launch.