1967 Johnson 3hp JHF-22 with Zero Hours

meyerboy

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Found it at a garage sale, fold-up model with case. Powerhead was locked up, so I went in and found the bottom piston rust-tacked to the wall. Took it to my Johnson Mechanic and he confirmed that it has never been fired outside of the factory test.

BUT now I am stuck... put in new rings OEM, honed cylinder walls, new head gasket, checked spark and timing, cleaned carb... she won't fire.

I have 60 pounds in each hole with never run rings... is this enough??? Did I screw this thing up??? If I did, I am hanging it on the wall as art... it is a brand new 42 year-old gem!

thanks
 

bktheking

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Re: 1967 Johnson 3hp JHF-22 with Zero Hours

Found it at a garage sale, fold-up model with case. Powerhead was locked up, so I went in and found the bottom piston rust-tacked to the wall. Took it to my Johnson Mechanic and he confirmed that it has never been fired outside of the factory test.

BUT now I am stuck... put in new rings OEM, honed cylinder walls, new head gasket, checked spark and timing, cleaned carb... she won't fire.

I have 60 pounds in each hole with never run rings... is this enough??? Did I screw this thing up??? If I did, I am hanging it on the wall as art... it is a brand new 42 year-old gem!

thanks




Well if it's got spark (is it good spark) and compression only one thing left, fuel. Did you set the carb up properly after it was cleaned? Is the fuel pump pumping? Did you try spraying some 50:1 mix into the carb.
 

R.Johnson

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Re: 1967 Johnson 3hp JHF-22 with Zero Hours

Those are great little engine's, but how did that mechanic determine it has never been run since it left the factory?
 

kbait

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Re: 1967 Johnson 3hp JHF-22 with Zero Hours

Plug wires backwards(front coil is top)?? And 1/4" consistent blue spark w/tester. Premix sprayed in carb should fire and confirm fuel delivery issue.
 

tashasdaddy

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Re: 1967 Johnson 3hp JHF-22 with Zero Hours

60 psi on the rope start motor is fine. you can also use a 3/4 inch socket, in a drill, on the flywheel nut, and save your arm.
 

meyerboy

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Re: 1967 Johnson 3hp JHF-22 with Zero Hours

Well if it's got spark (is it good spark) and compression only one thing left, fuel. Did you set the carb up properly after it was cleaned? Is the fuel pump pumping? Did you try spraying some 50:1 mix into the carb.

I took your question about spark to the bench, and I have "loud" spark... but not blue. It is definately pink. ----how do I fix that?

You said "set-up" the carb ???? not sure what that is, but probably need to know. There is no high-speed needle, just a plug in that hole.

I did the unthinkable, I used engine starter (not ether, but the oil/ether mix from 3in1 called engine starter-conditioner. I get it from my Johnson Dealer.
Do you mix 50 to1 in a spray bottle???

Thanks
Captain Dave
 

meyerboy

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Re: 1967 Johnson 3hp JHF-22 with Zero Hours

Those are great little engine's, but how did that mechanic determine it has never been run since it left the factory?

He said two tell tale signs... first was the overall condition, paint prop Ect... secondly, the exhaust tube under the power head is clean and shiney, no black residue at all. Inside the case, the brick-colored primer is clean as a whistle on the lower (rod-connector) end.

What do you think?
 

bktheking

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Re: 1967 Johnson 3hp JHF-22 with Zero Hours

Should be blue, pink is probably orange which indicates weak spark. First thing I would do is pull the fly wheel and inspect. Just cause it's "new" doesn't mean squat. It's 42 years old which means coils could be cracked, points aren't adjusted properly or clean for that matter. Things that sit without being used can deteriorate just like anything else.
 

meyerboy

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Re: 1967 Johnson 3hp JHF-22 with Zero Hours

Plug wires backwards(front coil is top)?? And 1/4" consistent blue spark w/tester. Premix sprayed in carb should fire and confirm fuel delivery issue.

Don't know hat you mean by "front coil on top". I did check the timing with the hash marks on the flywheel, and did both - the ohm meeter on the points to the marks on the stator, and then I did a double check on volt-jump at top dead center for each hole. My plug wires have a band (like on a bird foot) on the wire that goes on top, and it is marked as such. never seen that before.

thanks
 

bktheking

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Re: 1967 Johnson 3hp JHF-22 with Zero Hours

Clean and adjust the points, that would be my start on this motor.
 

meyerboy

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Re: 1967 Johnson 3hp JHF-22 with Zero Hours

Should be blue, pink is probably orange which indicates weak spark. First thing I would do is pull the fly wheel and inspect. Just cause it's "new" doesn't mean squat. It's 42 years old which means coils could be cracked, points aren't adjusted properly or clean for that matter. Things that sit without being used can deteriorate just like anything else.

The ingintion looks absolutely brand new. The coils are purple with no SIGN of wear. How do you check a coil? Also, the points are as bright and clean as brand new ones. Points are gapped to 20 thou with a feeler, and I have the spark hitting at the first of the two marks on the stator plate.

I work on British Seagulls, and from time to time it there is a need to "recharge" the magneto with an electric drill. (spin for two minutes with plugs out) It re-energizes the magnet. wonder if that would help or hurt??
 

bktheking

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Re: 1967 Johnson 3hp JHF-22 with Zero Hours

OK, have you tried running 50:1 spray into the carb and try starting it with everything as is?
 

meyerboy

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Re: 1967 Johnson 3hp JHF-22 with Zero Hours

OK, have you tried running 50:1 spray into the carb and try starting it with everything as is?

gonna do that next. is it best to remove the manifold??? or leave it is place and spray into the opening that is aft?
 

bktheking

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Re: 1967 Johnson 3hp JHF-22 with Zero Hours

Don't remove anything unless you can't access the carb opening. Condensers could also be leaking, that would be a definite start and cheapest, they are after all 42 yrs old. Leaking condensers will cause weak spark.
 

kbait

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Re: 1967 Johnson 3hp JHF-22 with Zero Hours

The coil that fires the top cylinder is on the front side of the stator plate when lever is at stop. Trace that wire and make sure it's goes to the top cylinder. It should be banded 'up' near the plug boot. I agree that yellow spark is weak spark. Check with a tester. 1/4" bright blue spark. Can't check it correctly holding the plug to the block. I always ensure compression & spark, then tackle other possible issues.
 

R.Johnson

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Re: 1967 Johnson 3hp JHF-22 with Zero Hours

When he had the power head off looking at the exhaust tube, why did'nt he go ahead, and make it run?
 

meyerboy

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Re: 1967 Johnson 3hp JHF-22 with Zero Hours

When he had the power head off looking at the exhaust tube, why did'nt he go ahead, and make it run?

Actually I'm the one that had the power head off, and when he heard about the condition, he asked to see the exahust tube, so I took it to him.

He offered to install rings and make it run... for up to 600.00 in labor and parts. Truth is, he wants the motor really bad, and if I let him work on it, I may not ever see it again.

My guess is that he is counting on me giving-up and selling it to him.

If I knew how to attach a photo, I would show you why he wants it so bad. I am something of a collector, with 13 total in my shop, but THIS was the find of a lifetime.

Capt. Dave
 

R.Johnson

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Re: 1967 Johnson 3hp JHF-22 with Zero Hours

Really that engine should need nothing more than an ignition clean-up, and maybe replace a dry rotted impellor.
 
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