1993 Johnson 90HP sneeze when cold

[skeeterbuilt]

Hi all, just bought my first boat.. Took her out yesterday and during initial start it cranks sneeze and dies. When it does run, it idles rough for a few seconds and dies. It did that several times. I tried to rev her up using warm up lever or rev lever but it just cut out. After about ten minutes she finally starts and ran perfect. Then she starts at one bump everytime when she is warmed up. I took her back to the place where I bought her and I was told that she is a cold starting engine and it's normal. I'm a newbie and don't know any better. Is this really normal? Any help will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!

 

[Dhadley]

Re: 1993 Johnson 90HP sneeze when cold

No it is not normal. Make sure the carbs are clean, you are using FRESH 87 octane, good oil at 50:1 and Champion (Q)L77JC4 plugs. <br /><br />Try this to get her going when cold -- <br />1) Squeeze the bulb to pressure the lines. 2) Turn the key to the "on" position only. 3) Push the key in to engage the primer and count to 8. 4) With the warm-up lever advanced engage the starter.<br /><br />You may have to tap the primer a few times while it warms up. <br /><br />Good luck!

 

[skeeterbuilt]

Re: 1993 Johnson 90HP sneeze when cold

Hi Dhadley, thanks for the info. I didn't realize that I have to hold the primer on for 8 seconds or so. I was afraid to flood the engine so I always just push it in for a couple of seconds then try to start it. <br /><br />I pulled one of the spark plugs out and the part number is not the same as what you've mentioned. It's a Champion UL77V and it's a center fire. Weird looking spark plug. Should I go out and replaced my spark plug with Champion (Q)L77JC4? Thanks!!

 

[DJ]

Re: 1993 Johnson 90HP sneeze when cold

Skeeterbuilt,<br /><br />Those two plug numbers mentioned are basically the same heat range. The JC4 is a "pronged" plug. My experience has found that the JC4's have a better idle quality.<br /><br />The center fire plugs were original equipment.

 

[jegervais]

Re: 1993 Johnson 90HP sneeze when cold

Why don't you tell us the model number, then we can make an accurate determination on what plug you're supposed to have in it. But unless I missed something in the book, you should have the QL77JC4 plugs gapped at .030".<br /><br />One other starting hint: If you're worried about flooding the engine out, then push <br />the key in and hold it in while cranking.<br /><br />-John

 

[skeeterbuilt]

Re: 1993 Johnson 90HP sneeze when cold

Hi all, thanks for all the input. The model number of the engine is J90TLETS and the serial number is G 03214399. I surely would like to find out if I have the right plugs on this engine. Again thanks!!

 

[Dhadley]

Re: 1993 Johnson 90HP sneeze when cold

On a crossflow (with any of the heads) either the QL77JC4 or L77JC4 will work well with todays 87 octane fuel.<br /><br />Good luck!

 

[skeeterbuilt]

Re: 1993 Johnson 90HP sneeze when cold

Thanks for the info Dhadley. I'll replace the spark plug with what you have recommended and I 'll try her out again this weekend. I'll make sure that I count to 8 while pushing the primer button before I start her up.... Will the prong or the hook on the QL77JC4 or L77JC4 hit the top of the pistons? What is crossflow? Sorry for the all the dumb questions.... Again thanks!!

 

[Dhadley]

Re: 1993 Johnson 90HP sneeze when cold

Have no fear about the plugs hitting. Unless somebody cut the heads and/or block. A lot.<br />And a crossflow is the style of motor you have. They are pretty good motors too. Enjoy!<br /><br />Good luck!

 

[skeeterbuilt]

Re: 1993 Johnson 90HP sneeze when cold

I'll post the result of this weekend trip to let you know... Thank you very much!!

 

[skeeterbuilt]

Re: 1993 Johnson 90HP sneeze when cold

Hey Dhadley, tried your suggestion and she fired up the first time. Thanks a lot for your help... Will go out again tomorrow this time with the wife. I have to have her use some of my Banjo Minnows. So she'll have just as much fun as I have fishing with it..... Again thank you, you are the MAN!!!!!!