1997 Johnson 50HP Cranking Problem

[trying]

I have a 1997 Johnson 50HP Outboard motor (model #: J50ESLEV----the last letter may be a U).<br /><br />I'm trying to crank it over in my driveway (while on the trailer). It sounds good while it is trying to start but won't actually turnover. I put the rubber ears over the water intake valves and water seems to be getting to the engine, but only a trickle is coming out of the small rubber water shoot at the engine top (normally a stream is coming out). <br /><br />About 12 months ago I spent over $1000 to have a bunch of new parts put in the engine and a new water pump was one of those.<br /><br />Can anyone help?

 

[oldboat1]

Re: 1997 Johnson 50HP Cranking Problem

I take it you haven't gotten the motor running yet -- will probably get a strong stream of exhaust water when she fires up (maybe after a few seconds delay). From your description, it's close but won't quite take hold. I would pull the plugs and look at them -- probably a little oily. I wouldn't expect them to be dry (= no fuel at plugs) as it seems to be trying to start. Clean the plugs up -- might as well regap them now too, and use a little fine sandpaper or a fingernail board to get off the old carbon and residue (do that before gapping). I would distrust the gas unless you just bought it. If you aren't sure, start with fresh gas and oil, and don't overchoke. You may find that the engine starts right up.

 

[trying]

Re: 1997 Johnson 50HP Cranking Problem

Thanks for the instructions...I started with the least complicated task and purchased fresh fuel. After adjusting the choke and hooking up the new fuel tank with fresh gas, she cranked right over!<br /><br />Thanks again for the great advice. If you're ever down here on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, email or give me a ring and we'll take you out for some redfish and trout fishing. Come tonight, the redfish won't be thanking you!<br /><br />She's spitting out white exhaust smoke, but I think that's pretty normal after not running for a while.

 

[ehenry]

Re: 1997 Johnson 50HP Cranking Problem

Ditto on what old boat said. Old gas will foul one up in a heart beat.

 

[oldboat1]

Re: 1997 Johnson 50HP Cranking Problem

trying -- glad to hear you are up and running, and thanks for the invitation. I might have better luck with Mississippi redfish than I do with Maryland rockfish -- but with my record on rockfish, that might not be saying a whole lot.<br /><br />Regards to you....