1959 35HP Johnson won't start

[Turbosl2]

The engine died a few years ago. Was running then would not restart after I turned it off.

I put new points, plugs, condenser, coils and wires. Set the gap and it has a really nice spark. It wants to start but it just fires and dies after a few puffs. I cleaned the carb but that looked fine, maybe I missed something that I could not see, bowl gets filled with gas. If I squirt gas past the carb it still just barely fires. It def won't run.

It does have a compression release that works off this fancy mechanical maze on the flywheel, is it possible its setup wrong or sticking?

I am lost at where to go now, fuel, spark, compression and it seems to have them all.

Thanks

 

[oldboat1]

If you have good compression and spark as you say, turn to the carb. First try setting and adjusting the needles: 1 1/2 from seated for the idle (top) needle, about 3/4 for the high speed (bottom) needle. These are initial settings, intended to allow you to start and warm up the motor. Make further adjustments when running. Must be in a barrel or in the lake -- water about half way up the leg. Make sure it's pumping water (spray out of the exhaust port on the back of the leg). You should be able to hold you hand on top of the head for a few seconds when it's warmed up.

If you can't adjust the carb for air/fuel mix (needles), you need to disassemble and clean the carb, putting in a carb kit. Disassemble, soak (lacquer thinner or equivalent), run mono or small soft wire through all openings, finish with carb spray. The domed plug needs to come off to access idle passages (replacement plug in kit).

 

[jimmbo]

You are advancing the throttle and using the choke when trying to start it?

 

[billythekid7059]

try fresh gas and definitely get a carb kit.

 

[Turbosl2]

Ok I will try the needle settings. I pulled the carb off and it seemed it was clean, however I didn't disassemble the part with the 1" plug on the bottom. I am wondering if I missed something

 

[Turbosl2]

Still no change, I will put the compression tester on it and see

 

[Turbosl2]

I it's compression tester on it and one flutters to 90?but doesn't hold, the other 35 and holds.

 

[oldboat1]

That's not going to work. Check technique -- test with both plugs removed; pull it over until the needle stops moving. It's possible there is a problem with the tester -- might try another unit (rent or use one from an auto parts store, possibly). Screw it type.

 

[lindy46]

Test compression with the electric starter, or disconnect the compression release valves if testing with pull starter.

 

[Turbosl2]

I did test with both plugs removed and compression release disconnected. No electric start on this motor. The gauge seems to be working correctly. I will double check it again. If I shoot air into my gauge from a rubber tip on my air compressor it holds so I know it's not a gauge problem. If anything it's the seal on the threads. Get back to you shortly.

 

[Turbosl2]

30 and 90 without oil. 120 and 120 with oil

 

[Turbosl2]

I suspect i need a rebuild on the top cylinder. Does anyone have a DIY write up on how to disassemble and rebuild? I checked youtube and it was for smaller motors