1955 Johnson QD-16 10hp - No Start

[SumDumGuy]

I cannot get this engine to fire.

• Replaced the coils, points, etc. Points are set to .020. (timing appears to be good, points opening at correct piston position).
• Carb has been cleaned and reassembled.
• New spark plugs (.030).
• Replaced spark plug wires and caps.
• Replaced 2 line fuel hose with B&S fuel pump. Pressure pulse is off of crank case cover via a QD-21 plate.
• Fuel line pressure nipple has been capped (short piece of plugged hose).
• Quick compression check with a gauge that is pro'lly not too accurate shows both cylinders at 60.
• Needle valves set to 1.5 for the slow and 1.0 for the high speed.

Everything was put back together and I started the pulling. I was expecting the motor to take off after a couple of pulls, but nothing.
After pulling and pulling I finally pulled the spark plugs and checked for a spark- OK.
Put a tester in line with the plugs - I see the light.

I thought maybe I was not getting any fuel in the cylinder. However, I checked the plug and it seemed to be moist.
So, since both plugs were pulled I put some fuel in the cylinders. Figured I would at least get it to go bang once - nothing.

I am now at a loss as to what I should check. Any thoughts?

 

[F_R]

Re: 1955 Johnson QD-16 10hp - No Start

60psi is low. It might start at that and it might not.

With all the items you were into, it is hard to guess what you could have done wrong. Perhaps it is getting too much gas??? Try turning the hs needle in a bit.

If it has good spark at the right time, and good compression, and fuel in the right amount, it should run. Um....two strokes need crankcase compression too. Possible problem with the fuel pump conversion??

 

[SumDumGuy]

Re: 1955 Johnson QD-16 10hp - No Start

Thanks for the reply.

The compression measurement is a little iffy. I used an old HF gauge, and I am not sure it is real accurate. I was just happy to see the measurements nearly the same.

True about all the stuff I have messed with on this thing. At least it is no worse than before.

I'll try and remove the fuel pump "stuff" and ensure I have fuel to the carb. If that is the issue it should at least start and then eventually run out of fuel.

When I removed everything I returned it the way it came out (lots of printed forum posts and pictures used). However, there is one thing that I am wondering. Which spark plug wire goes to which cylinder? At this time I have the "short" wire to the top. I'm almost sure that is correct because the points for that coil open at the correct piston position. But, I am not absolutely sure...

 

[F_R]

Re: 1955 Johnson QD-16 10hp - No Start

I agree it is no worse than before. Just saying it is hard to tell from here what the problem is. It may be something you messed up or something that was already messed up. I'm not questioning your abilities.

The coil and associated points & wire nearest the front (forward) of the motor are for the top cylinder.

No need to mess with the fuel pump...yet. If you have gas at the hose connection at the carburetor, it is getting through the pump. The carburetor holds enough gas to start and run for a minute, even if the pump doesn't work.

I repeat, it may be getting too much gas (flooded). One turn open on the high speed is a tad too much, but should start unless it is flooded, than it would be difficult to clear out if it just keeps on getting more gas. But that may not be the trouble at all. Like I said, hard to tell from here.

 

[SumDumGuy]

Re: 1955 Johnson QD-16 10hp - No Start

F_R thanks for clearing up the coil/points question. I am sure it is correct on this motor (I'll check today), but it was really bothering me that the motor wont start and that was a grasp at a straw.

I can tell you don't know me or you would have no problem questioning my abilities, I know I do. <hahaha>.

I am becoming a believer in your desktop troubleshooting. The flooding issue may indeed be the problem, if not at least one issue. This morning I went out and looked at the motor before work. I can see that there has been some fuel, a slight amount, seeping from the high speed needle. I'll try and empty the cylinder of any excess fuel (maybe blow it out or something), and turn the needle valve way in.

Thanks for the help and sanity check!

 

[SumDumGuy]

Re: 1955 Johnson QD-16 10hp - No Start

Well, I got home this afternoon and seated the high speed needle and then backed it out about an eighth of a turn. Then I pulled the plugs and let the heat outside evaporate anything in the cylinders.

Couple hours later I was ready to give it a pull. First tug and boom, it was running.
So, you were 100% correct about it flooding.

I thought I had read in several places that the starting position for the needles was 1.5 for the slow and 1 for the high speed. I guess "starting" position is the key.

I have another quick question. Can you tell me the temperature the expelled cooling water should be? Does this motor run hotter than others? It seems to be spewing a good amount of water, but it seems to be quite warm, so I am ascared to keep it running until I get further info or change the impeller.

Thanks again for the guidance!

 

[nwcove]

Re: 1955 Johnson QD-16 10hp - No Start

the general rule of thumb is.....if you dont know when the last impeller change was done, change it now. even if it is pumping strong, the impeller could come apart and lodge pieces of rubber in the hardest to get at places within the cooling passages! jmo

 

[SumDumGuy]

Re: 1955 Johnson QD-16 10hp - No Start

Well, based on the condition of all the other parts it would probably be wise to change the thing.

Thanks!