1969 Johnson 20hp - very hard to pull-start

[BigB9000]

Like the title says, has new head and gasket.

Pull-starting is very difficult. Almost like there is 1000 psi of compression, or pull starting a 350 chevy.

Once engine is warmed up, starting is very easy. One little easy pull and it fires right up.

is this normal?

 

[oldcatamount]

Re: 1969 Johnson 20hp - very hard to pull-start

I would say the problem is not with the motor but with the rope starter itself. If your motor starts with "one little pull" ..leave it alone.

 

[bktheking]

Re: 1969 Johnson 20hp - very hard to pull-start

Pull the plugs out and recheck it.

 

[BigB9000]

Re: 1969 Johnson 20hp - very hard to pull-start

Hmm...

Its a little easier with the plugs out.

WD-40 the spring?

 

[flintcreek]

Re: 1969 Johnson 20hp - very hard to pull-start

Now if I under stand, it is pulling and starting easy when cold, but when hot it is hard to pull. If this is the case I would make sure it is not running hot, because if it is running to hot it would be hard to pull start.

Flintcreek

 

[BigB9000]

Re: 1969 Johnson 20hp - very hard to pull-start

Engine cold - Pulling is hard
Engine warm - Pulling is easy.

 

[F_R]

Re: 1969 Johnson 20hp - very hard to pull-start

Getting water into a cylinder and rusting as it sits a few days?????

 

[BigB9000]

Re: 1969 Johnson 20hp - very hard to pull-start

New head, gasket, and other seal parts, no evidence of water on plugs.
Water in cylinders is unlikely.

 

[LIGHTFOOT]

Re: 1969 Johnson 20hp - very hard to pull-start

I have a 73 20HP Johnson and it doesn't pull much harder than my 9.9 Rude.

 

[bktheking]

Re: 1969 Johnson 20hp - very hard to pull-start

Pull the recoil off, 3 bolts, wrap a rope around the flywheel and see if it is easier. If not check compression, you may have a ring issue.

 

[BigB9000]

Re: 1969 Johnson 20hp - very hard to pull-start

Pull the recoil off, 3 bolts, wrap a rope around the flywheel and see if it is easier. If not check compression, you may have a ring issue.

Already tried that, even made a website!

http://bigb9k.com/brp/compression/

 

[1946Zephyr]

Re: 1969 Johnson 20hp - very hard to pull-start

Do a compression test cold and warm. See if there are any differences.