1960 Johnson Issues

[agib08]

Hey all,

New boat owner here with 4 problem motors. I got a boat with a couple motors and have toyed with each of them. I selected the one motor which is giving me the most hope. I'm having some issues and hoping you all can point me in the right direction.

The motor is a 1960 Johnson FD-14 18HP. I have so far cleaned the carb, sediment filter, replaced all gas lines, put a new impeller and housing in it, and had the fuel pump checked by the local 2 stroke guru. Also, the plugs were cleaned up as they are fairly new.

When I pull start the motor every 4 or 5 pulls it let's out a pop and spits some water around. Occasionally it will start and run for about 5 seconds then die.

Any thoughts on what I should do or try? I'm running out of thoughts and my shoulder is running out of strength to pull start it (this is day 3 of toying with motors)

Thanks in advance.

 

[racerone]

Remove the recoil starter.------Remove inspection plate on top of flywheel.-----Inspect coils , points and condensers.------Are tops of condensers red ?

 

[agib08]

I will check them when I get home. Am I hoping for red or what? Sorry total noobie when it comes to outboards.

 

[F_R]

No Title

More importantly, when you are peeking in there, what do the coils look like? Unless they have already been replaced, they are cracked (junk). It isn't going to run until they are replaced. Get new ones here at iboats.

 

[HighTrim]

Step 1 should always be test compression. Have you done this? If so, what are readings?

What is your starting procedure?

 

[boobie]

Will the spark jump a 1/4 " open air gap on a tester ??

 

[boobie]

Edit....

 

[agib08]

So I removed the inspection cover. Everything looks fine to me. Minor rust in 1 spot but short of that everything is shiny and looks new. The coils are brown/burgundy and look newish to me. My pics are too big to upload apparently.

I haven't compression tested yet but I'm doing that in the morning when I can go get a compression tester. I'm also going to get brand new plugs just to be sure.

Any other things I should check? Maybe I'm running to lean? Opinions on hitting it with starter fluid?

Side note: is there any reason to leave the gear teeth on the flywheel? It's a pull start and I have no intention on converting it. Just think less weight may make the pulling easier.

 

[F_R]

Do not remove the flywheel gear! In the first place, that won't make it pull easier. In fact it will pull harder without the momentum. More importantly, it strengthens the flywheel. I'll guarantee you do not want that thing exploding at 5000 RPM.

 

[racerone]

I have to agree on NOT removing the ring gear.------A metal ring would replace that.----You might want to check and see if the recoil is properly TIMED for easier starting !

 

[Strangeleak]

I know you said you cleaned the carbs but did you also check the float level in the carbs? If it's too low the fuel will exit the bowl faster than it can be replaced to the proper level.

 

[agib08]

Copy. I won't remove the gears lol. I checked the float level and parts associated and all seemed fine.

 

[agib08]

Compression tested it this morning. Cold engine since it doesn't start with 5 pulls per test.

Readings were: 59 for the top and 63 for the bottom.

 

[racerone]

Sounds like a problem motor or a defective gauge.---Try another gauge first.

 

[boobie]

Did you ever check your spark??