1990 15 hp Johnson won’t start, sort of sounds like it’s sucking air/leaking air

David wright

Seaman
Joined
Aug 29, 2023
Messages
51
I’m a nurse by trade and completely self taught. My dads mechanical knowledge is pretty much 0. Most everything I do is trial and error or stuff I find on here. I’m trying to become more competent with every motor. I’m 34, so 99% of these motors are 20+ years older than me. None of my buddies know anything about these old 2 smokers. I’m stuck figuring it out for myself
Thats why these threads are here to help everyone gain experience through success and faliure,
 

racerone

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Dec 28, 2013
Messages
38,412
If you put fuel directly into the sparkplug holes the motor should---BARK---If there is no response you have no spark or spark at the wrong time.
 

David wright

Seaman
Joined
Aug 29, 2023
Messages
51
If you put fuel directly into the sparkplug holes the motor should---BARK---If there is no response you have no spark or spark at the wrong time.
Yes this means a timing issue and he has already said he has a spark this is why I said about the woodruff key, the only other think I can think of on timing is the magnets under the flywheel being worn giving an of piste spark but even then every now an then the exhaust would give out a puff
 

jitterbug127

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Feb 6, 2023
Messages
629
My spark looks more white than blue but might be the lighting…I’m not sure if they means anything to you guys or not.
 

jitterbug127

Chief Petty Officer
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Feb 6, 2023
Messages
629
Did this picture go through?
 

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David wright

Seaman
Joined
Aug 29, 2023
Messages
51
Yes all looks ok and if the magnets were in bad condition you wouldn't get a spark to both cylinders so as the post before said are you sure you seated the flywheel correctly its sited with no movement (rocking) and tightly fitted to the correct torque i believe on your engine its 40 - 45 lbs
 

jitterbug127

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Feb 6, 2023
Messages
629
Yes all looks ok and if the magnets were in bad condition you wouldn't get a spark to both cylinders so as the post before said are you sure you seated the flywheel correctly its sited with no movement (rocking) and tightly fitted to the correct torque i believe on your engine its 40 - 45 lbs
Fly wheel is on their good. No rocking and properly seated. Torqued with my wrench
 

David wright

Seaman
Joined
Aug 29, 2023
Messages
51
With the flywheel in place without the locking nut you should see the woodruff/flywheel key engadged tightly into the slot on the flywheel yours looks flat at the top and broken and protruding at the bottom of the crankshaft
 
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