1987 johnson 40 hp vro... only knows its way out!

[dukman3]

recently purchased a boat with this motor on it and it only gets me out in the lake (not back in)!<br />put a kicker on it to avoid the shame of asking for a tow! can run it for a long time to get to a spot. soon as i shut it off and go to start it back up (anywhere from 1 minute to an hour) it wont start! put new plugs and wires on it and they were no help! as soon as i get it home and hook the hose to it, it fires right up! if anyone has any ideas, i would greatly apprecite the help! maybe its allergic to lake water! thanks so much!

 

[JB]

Re: 1987 johnson 40 hp vro... only knows its way out!

Howdy, Dukman.<br /><br />When you get ready to restart it do you pump the primer bulb? Do you choke it? Is the tank vent open?<br /><br />Let us know the procedure you use to restart (that doesn't work). It may be your problem.<br />

 

[dukman3]

Re: 1987 johnson 40 hp vro... only knows its way out!

hi jb, thanks for the fast reply! when i go to restart it, i just turn the key at first and try it that way! if it doesnt go then i give it a little choke! either way it doesnt start! another gentlemen told me today that it might be the gas tank ( the breather hole may be clogged ) he recomended that i losen up the tank lid! i have on one occasion joked it to much and noticed gas on the water surface! i was alos told to run a higher octane gas in this motor by him! he said it was designed for that! thanks again! dukman3

 

[alcan]

Re: 1987 johnson 40 hp vro... only knows its way out!

Hi Dukman<br />From your description, it sounds like your flooding the motor. When you try to restart with the engine warm, do you advance the warm-up throtle? Doing this has two effects, one it advances the timer to the best position for starting and two it opens the throtle a bit to allow some fresh air in.This is just a guess. Good luck.

 

[JB]

Re: 1987 johnson 40 hp vro... only knows its way out!

Howdy, Dukman.<br /><br />Yes, check for an unvented tank.<br /><br />Do not use high octane fuel. Your engine was designed to run on 87 octane unleaded.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[dukman3]

Re: 1987 johnson 40 hp vro... only knows its way out!

hi guys, i am not sure how the choke works now! i was told that it is in the ignition switch ( when i push the key in all the way, it chokes it??? )there also is a lever on the side of controller that i believe is for idle adjustment, not exactly sure what they are! about the gas, a local man that says he has the most experience in repairing them says to use high octane! who knows!!! hopefully i can take it out for some fishing this weekend! thanks again for the help!<br /> phil

 

[alcan]

Re: 1987 johnson 40 hp vro... only knows its way out!

Hi Dukman<br />Your motor dosen't have a choke in the true sence. What you have is a primer pump. When you push the key in, it injects fuel into the intake manifold. The red lever is a manual over-ride. With the lever paralell to primer selinoid, is the normal run position. With the lever crosswise is for manual prime for manual start. Once started you flip the lever to run. Starting cold engine, Neutral main stick, lift warm-up lever, push key in for an eight count, then crank. Warm start, lift warm-up leverand crank. Depending on situation you may need to give it a shot of prime if it dosen't start after a crank or two. Use your primer as you would a choke. If you don't want to belive JB about the grade of fuel to use you should buy a manual and read up on the motor then you can answer questions. Good luck.

 

[dukman3]

Re: 1987 johnson 40 hp vro... only knows its way out!

Hi alcan,<br /><br /> First I’d like to start out by saying or apologizing if I were taken wrong by talking about that most experienced mechanic in my area. I believe this guy is a legend in his own mind (if you know what I mean)! I believe what jb is telling me and I trust his words! I doubt if you guys would come on here and throw out some BS !!! That’s all I have ran in it is 87 octane and I don’t think that is my problem!<br /> <br />i finally had the time to take it out yesterday, and guess what.......... no problems!!! the two things that i did different were, checked the vent hole in tank and not plugged, so i losened cap a little and also did not push key in when i started it! each time(about 20) i started it, it fired right up! even trolled about 45 minutes with it and it didnt load up! fired ever time! i have no idea why, but knock on wood, its running! i even need more gas(thought that tank would last all summer)!!! and YES i will be putting 87 octane in it! once again thanks alot for all your ideas! great website for help! again sorry for the remarks!<br /> thanks, phil in ohio