1959 35 HP Johnson Runs, but not well.

[JakeEddie]

I have a 1959 35HP Johnson RDS-21 (I think that's right). Had it going this summer until I spun the prop insert (just old, didn't hit anything). Had no idea what had happened. Pulled the plugs and the threads came out with the plugs. Pulled the head and heli-coiled the holes. Went ahead and replaced the top and bottom powerhead seals at that time. I did split the case to remove the top seal. Used new spegetti seal and o-rings on the crank bearings.

So with newer points (.020"), plugs (.030") and carb sync'd to timing as per the manual, it doesn't want to start. If it does, it will "kick" a little and die. I'm not sure where to go from here. Think maybe I have a carb or intake leak? Any way to check that the case is sealed up tight? Any help will be greatly appreciated.

 

[JakeEddie]

Re: 1959 35 HP Johnson Runs, but not well.

Thought I'd post of pic of what I'm working on. It's my mom's 1960 Glasspar Lido. Gets comments all the time. Lot's of style in these boats. No storage but lots of style.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 1959 35 HP Johnson Runs, but not well.

have you done a compression and spark test, with testers? plug wire crossed, (on wrong plugs) very common.

 

[JakeEddie]

Re: 1959 35 HP Johnson Runs, but not well.

To be honest, I did a half *** compression test because my tester threads are too long and will hit the piston. I tried to use a rubber spacer that didn't seal it up 100%. Still got 90psi on both cylinders on a cold engine. The plugs are new and correct J4C (however the previous plugs were incorrect but acted the same). As far as wires crossed, the previous onwer wrote "top" on on of the plug wires. That doesn't mean its correct though. Looks like top cylinder is connected to port side coil and those are the points that are open when top cyliner is at or close to TDC (not sure where this things fires at). Would this be correct? Anyway to post a video here? Thanks for the input.

Also, where should the points open at? The cam says "TOP". Looks to have a tiny triangle just before the word "TOP". Is that where the points are set at?

 

[JakeEddie]

Re: 1959 35 HP Johnson Runs, but not well.

Forgot to post that I have not done a spark test. I saw a post about the $6.00 tester from AutoZone. Was going to pick one up today and check it out.

Oh how I would love it if it was somthing simple ..... and it usually is.

 

[JakeEddie]

Re: 1959 35 HP Johnson Runs, but not well.

Did the spark test, great spark at 1/4" gap. Also did a compression test which confussed me. I got 70 psi on top cyl and 67 on bottom cyl. I'm within the 5% of each other but the line has to be drawn somewhere. How low of compression can you have on these things? What confused me was that I got readings of 90 psi with a leaking gage. (???) I actually got 90 psi on the top cyl again when I sealed things up but never again after that.

Any help greatly appreciated.

 

[lindy46]

Re: 1959 35 HP Johnson Runs, but not well.

Hand cranking your readings are probably ok. If you're cranking with the electric start, should be over 100, preferably 110-125psi. My 1957 Lark 35hp gives 122 and 125psi cranking with the electric start. Different gauges can give different results - it's not an "exact science".

 

[JakeEddie]

Re: 1959 35 HP Johnson Runs, but not well.

I was cranking with the electric starter.

If I advance the timing (wide point gap .035) it would probably idle until it ran out of gas. Can't give it throttle or it will die. ???

Thanks for the input.

 

[Daviet]

Re: 1959 35 HP Johnson Runs, but not well.

Point gap should be .020

 

[HighTrim]

Re: 1959 35 HP Johnson Runs, but not well.

Boat and motor is scrap, send to me immediately and I will properly dispose of it for you.

Kidding of course...Gone over linkage again?

 

[JakeEddie]

Re: 1959 35 HP Johnson Runs, but not well.

I think I found the problem. The red flag should have been "spun the prop" (read as "rev'ed the RPM's and the vacuum up and blew the diaphram in the fuel pump". This also tells me that the cutout switch isn't working as it should.

Haven't torn into it yet but I had it running fine, in a barrel, with 90% of the carb intake covered up with masking tape. So fuel pump or blocked fuel line/carb. Either way, I'm on the right track.

If I take the fuel line off the carb and crank with the starter, how much flow should there be?

Thanks for the useful input.

 

[JakeEddie]

Re: 1959 35 HP Johnson Runs, but not well.

Ok, I tore into it. It was not the fuel pump diaphram but it was the fuel filter. It has a tear down the seam of it that allowed gas tank debris into the carb. Cleaned the carb and she runs like a champ. Wish it had better compression but case closed.

On to my next project.