1972 Johnson 20 hp

[amvaneyk]

I have all the controls on my motor at the front of my boat. So when it comes to the throttle I'm not sure where it should be when trying to start it. If someone could explain to me where you want the throttle to be when starting it. I have don't almost everything I can think of and can't get it going. gapped the points, re built the carb, new fuel pump.

The only thing im not sure of is I did a continuity test to figure out which spark plug wire was the top, and someone correct me if i'm wrong but from what i understand I got a reading in ohms (from my coil to my plug wire) and my point was closed so that plug wire matches the cylinder at top dead center. (I just pulled the plug out and looked with one i could see the piston in.) I know that prob isnt the clearest way to explain it but maybe someone can understand what i'm trying to say.

 

[samo_ott]

Re: 1972 Johnson 20 hp

Are there two issues here? does the engine run at all?

When using remote controls and in neutral, the throttle should be all the way forward. It gets locked from going too far in the engine.

 

[amvaneyk]

Re: 1972 Johnson 20 hp

I just bought the engine from a man who had it sitting in his garage for two years. Said it worked when he put it up. I've been working on it for the last few weeks and haven't got it to run yet. As far as throttle goes, i thought all the way forward was full throttle. When you look at the engine is the throttle suppose to be rotated counter clockwise all the way till it hits the stop or clockwise till it hits the other stop?

 

[samo_ott]

Re: 1972 Johnson 20 hp

They always say it used to run...

No, there is a neutral lockout. If it works you can only advance the throttle to a fast idle when in neutral. Thus move the throttle as far forward as you can when in neutral to start.

When starting and looking at the engine (and pulling the rope) the throttle should be all the way counter clockwise (when in neutral) until it stops (this is the fast idle position). You will notice that if you shift it in forward or reverse at this point that it will then turn further if you try.

 

[amvaneyk]

Re: 1972 Johnson 20 hp

Great explanation. I went out and tried it and when I put it in gear it allows about an inch more throttle rotation. Is that all its suppose to be?

 

[samo_ott]

Re: 1972 Johnson 20 hp

Yes, give or take. It might go farther with the engine running as the gears don't always mesh perfectly when it's not running.