1994 15 hp Johnson Fuel Problem

[estame6]

Just got dingy out of storage, two new plugs, replaced gas, checked gas filter and drained chamber. Unable to get it to start. It's a clean unit and never a problem before but such is life. Checked spark and checking spark plug there in no sign of gas on the plug. Checked again the chamber for fuel and much came out. Looking for suggestions before I start a major tear down.
Many thanks...

 

[tphoyt]

How long was it in storage?
Should have removed the gas before going into storage. You will likely need to do a carb rebuild and maybe even the fuel pump. And while your at it install a new water pump impeller as well.

 

[CaptnKingfisher]

Sounds like carb rebuild

 

[estame6]

Thanks guys, both correct, started by pulling the gas pump apart and was in very good shape then removed the carb. In the bowl was a whitish residue and when it dried became a powder. The lower part of the body that sits in the gas had a rough finish and had obviously corroded and formed this powder. Unable to blow air through the metering orifice so popped out the plug at the lower part and found it was completely jammed with this hard compact powder. Cleaned much and finished with ultra sonic bath, rebuilt and reinstalled operates perfectly. This unit is twenty plus years old and has always operated perfectly this has been building for years, will be removing the drain plug in future on layup. Thanks for you input and the water pump advice, did that a few years ago.

 

[estame6]

Any ideas where this, so called powder came from? Is this something to do with the un-leaded fuel we use now or the additives they put in it?

 

[tphoyt]

More than likely.
The ethanol that’s in gas these days attracts moisture from the air and will actually cause water to collect in gas tanks if they are left open. You can use gas additive like Stabil or similar and it works very well for up to a year. The white stuff you found was likely corrosion forming from water in your fuel. As the fuel evaporated the water was left behind and oxidation formed in your carb. Its still best to drain your bowl before long term storage but if its just going to be for a season you will be fine as long as you use the additive in at least your last tank of fuel if not all the time.
Best

 

[oldboat1]

Run the motor until it stalls before storage, then drain the bowl to be sure. If you think you have water in the fuel for whatever reasons, Drigas or an equivalent product is a good choice (methyl alcohol combines and burns).