1978 johnson seahorse, will not idle

[imported_christian]

My 15 horse will crank with choke pulled, I can push choke in and it will die, unless I throttle it up on motor it will stay running until I back off the throttle then it dies. It had bad gas , cleaned all the fuel lines , fuel filter ,took carburateroff and cleaned every jet port, all gaskets look real good. Carburater was rebuilt 1 year ago. I crank it with a pull cord, it has no starter(need new one?). My pump ball fuel line , does it have to have ball and spring in it? Please help, Chris

 

[fireman57]

Re: 1978 johnson seahorse, will not idle

If engine will only run with choke on then it is not getting fuel. If you pump the primer bulb with the choke in will it keep running? Take your carb off and soak/clean thoroughly. Might even put another kit in it since you had bad gas. Amazing what the smallest bit of crud will do in a carb jet.

 

[jtexas]

Re: 1978 johnson seahorse, will not idle

Don't really understand your question about the primer bulb...it has two one-way valves...but it can't be fixed...when it wears out you have to replace it. If it gets firm and stays firm, then it's okay.

Make sure your choke plate is perfectly horizontal when you push the choke in.

Do you know how to set the slow speed mixture screw? There's a thread on that in the Engine FAQ forum.

Is that the electric start model with a non-working starter?

 

[fireman57]

Re: 1978 johnson seahorse, will not idle

jtexas, I have to start reading these things better before I answer. I didn't read the last line very well. Yes, you need a working primer bulb.