1988 Johnson 60 HP - Stumbles and Dies

[atengnr]

Well, my motor has an intermittent problem where it will begin to bog down and then stall. It seems to occur near idle/low speed when accelerating. For example, it stalled when I began accelerating from a stop pulling a skier. It then started fine and easily the pulled a skier for 30 min with no issue.

It seems to help if i squeeze the primer bulb a few times and then restart it, but am not sure. I replaced the fuel tank because the previous is 40 yrs old.

Any ideas what could be the issue??

Thanks.

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: 1988 Johnson 60 HP - Stumbles and Dies

That's usually caused by a small fuel/air leak which would cause the fuel pump to draw air, or a failing fuel pump.

Check all fuel connections, and if they're okay, suspect the fuel pump.

Edit 03:08 : Deleted portion pertaining to wrong fuel pump. Got to get these glasses changed.

 

[atengnr]

Re: 1988 Johnson 60 HP - Stumbles and Dies

That's usually caused by a small fuel/air leak which would cause the fuel pump to draw air, or a failing fuel pump.

There is no 1968 60hp Johnson. What is the model number of that engine?

Check all fuel connections, and if they're okay, suspect the fuel pump. The fuel pump kit is number 379777 if you have the type fuel pump that has a glass bowl for the filter. If you have the smaller type fuel pump, and should it be failing, replace it.

This is a 1988, not a 1968.

I have a VRO motor with the oil injection circuit bypassed. What is my best option for rehabbing the pump? Is there a rebuild kit for this pump? Can I just replace this pump with a NON VRO fuel pump?? Is this pricey?

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: 1988 Johnson 60 HP - Stumbles and Dies

My error pertaining to the 1968/88 thing.... age & glasses! Many of those VRO's have rebuild kits but I don't know if one is available for that model or not. Check with your dealership for its availability.

 

[atengnr]

Re: 1988 Johnson 60 HP - Stumbles and Dies

Well, I pulled the intake manifold and found a gas line that leaks when the primer bulb is squeezed. Could this leak cause this issue??

Also, all the gas lines have those plastic zip ties as clamps. Are these standard practice for this application?? They dont seem have a ton a clamping force.

Thanks.

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: 1988 Johnson 60 HP - Stumbles and Dies

Tie straps are fine for clamping and are the standard. The gas leak depends on which line is leaking.

 

[atengnr]

Re: 1988 Johnson 60 HP - Stumbles and Dies

Tie straps are fine for clamping and are the standard. The gas leak depends on which line is leaking.

The leak is at the line which is main feed out of the pump just upstream of the carbs.

 

[guy74]

Re: 1988 Johnson 60 HP - Stumbles and Dies

I have basicaly the same motor on my boat, after I fixed a fuel leak that was in the first smalll line going to the bottom carb mine idled better. I think it was pulling fumes off the leak and running rich at idle. The line was right in front of one of the openings into the air silencer.