2001 Johnson 115hp Starting Problem - Fuel?

[srssrs]

Tried to start my motor today after sitting for maybe 6 mos. I did nothing special to the engine to prepare it for storage as I live in Florida - just have been away for almost 6 mos. The engine starts & will continue to run as long as I press the key in to choke the motor periodically. If I stop choking, the engine will run for about 10 secs. - then stop. I have not changed the water/fuel filter for almost 2 years but it looks pretty clean. I will replace it tomorrow.

Does this sound like dirty jets or fuel pump problem? Or, something else? The engine has low hours - probably less than 200 hrs. Any & all suggestions would be appreciated as to what I should do first. Thank you.......

Steve

 

[srssrs]

Re: 2001 Johnson 115hp Starting Problem - Fuel?

OK - So can anyone help me get started here. Is it dirty jets, carburetion, or fuel pump? THANKS.......

 

[HighTrim]

Re: 2001 Johnson 115hp Starting Problem - Fuel?

Im by no means an expert, but i will give my humble opinion. You said you did not prep the motor in anyway b4 storing, does this include not stabilizing the fuel? If so, may want to chuck it and start fresh. Secondly, will the motor pick up if you pump the primer bulb when it is dying? If so, you may have a fuel pump problem. Im sure others will have ideas to add to this.

 

[rebuilt]

Re: 2001 Johnson 115hp Starting Problem - Fuel?

Another thought.... Do you see fuel oozing or leaking from the fuel pump when pumping the bulb?? Good sign of a shot diaphram. Dump the old fuel if it wasn't stabilized with an add in. Stabil is a favorite here, but it's not the only fuel stabilizer out there. KR

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 2001 Johnson 115hp Starting Problem - Fuel?

i betting 99% you have varnished carbs, as a fellow Floridain, seafoam is great, i let boats sit for 6 months sometimes, but allways stabilize the fuel. the Fl heat will quickly evaporate the gas in the carbs, and if the fuel line is left connected the heat causes pressure on the fuel tank, and forces more fuel into the carbs which also evaporates. Actually, and this is contrivertial, if i'm planning a set up, i am not opposed to letting the fuel run out of the motor. either let it run with the fuel line disconnected, of pull the drain plugs on the front of the carbs.

 

[srssrs]

Re: 2001 Johnson 115hp Starting Problem - Fuel?

Thanks for the suggestions. I will get fresh fuel but don't think this will solve it entirely as it fires off immediately & runs pretty well until it dies. I will in the future use stabilizer & pull the drain plugs. The bulb pumps hard but does not seem to stay pumped hard as it runs. There is no leakage of fuel.

I suspect varnishing of the carbs. What is the procedure for the use of seafoam??? Thanks again.....

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 2001 Johnson 115hp Starting Problem - Fuel?

seafoam will keep clean carbs clean, but will not clean a dirty carb, time to tear them down, clean/soak remove the fixed jets, and core plugs, and reassemble with rebuild kits. the bulb does not stay hard while the motor is running. it just primes the fuel to the carbs, and fuel pump, till the engine starts, the the fuel pump takes over. once the carbs are clean add seafoam to the fuel, per directions on can. you need carb tool #317002 to remove the fixed jets, or make your own.

 

[srssrs]

Re: 2001 Johnson 115hp Starting Problem - Fuel?

HELP! OK - I've replaced the fuel, changed the fuel filter, cleaned all 4 carbs thoroughly, cleaned & inspected all jets, tubes, etc.

This engine is a 2003 model (not 2001) and had very little varnish, etc. It has about 150 hrs. on it and the carbs looked very clean, like new even in the fuel bowls.

The engine cranks & fires immediately, runs about 7-15 secs. then quits, unless I press in on the key. I can keep it running if I press on the key just before it starts to die.

I have checked the solenoid that injects the fuel and it works fine (of course). After it quits, if I pull the plugs in the bottom of each fuel bowl, each has the normal amount of fuel in them. When I checked the spark plugs they appear to be a little wet.

I am reluctant to rev the engine past 1500 rpm in the driveway on a hose.

Can anyone suggest something I've missed?