1998 50 HP Johnson carburator

[grassman]

I just purchased a carolina skiff with a 50 HP Johnson. The motor sat for two years afetr being winterized. I just rebuilt the carbs. I am looking for some help in properly adjusting the carbs.

 

[HybridMX6]

Re: 1998 50 HP Johnson carburator

To do it right you will need to get the boat and motor in the water (not just at home on muffs or in a bucket), get the engine warmed up, then set it while idling in neutral. I have a 2000 55hp commercial motor, very similar to yours, and I had to set the idle adjustment screws on the sides of the carbs like 4.5 turns out just to get it so it would run good enough to set it. The high speed I believe is a fixed jet, at least mine is.
If you have a repair manual it should cover this information.

 

[grassman]

Re: 1998 50 HP Johnson carburator

The high speed is fixed. Both screws were set at 4-1/2 out when I started. I screwed them in until it ran rough and backed out a half turn. seems to run good. I agree that I need to get it in the water under load. That is how I realized I had a problem. Motor ran great on muffs, put it in and would not plane. I could feel it wanting to go but it wouldn't. Pulled the carbs and they were gelled and varnished.

 

[HybridMX6]

Re: 1998 50 HP Johnson carburator

Yeah, mine was the opposite, it would run fine at high speed, but was idling on 1 cylinder. Pulled 'em apart, cleaned and rebuilt em, got some gunk out in the process. Runs fine now.

 

[grassman]

Re: 1998 50 HP Johnson carburator

I was able to get it in the water last night. had to back each screw out one turn and it ran well.