40 hp Johnson seems sluggish

[Kramer]

Greetings all:<br /> My 1965 40 hp (2 stroke) Johnson was running a bit sluggish at the end of last season. I think I may have screwed up the gas and oil mixture. The guy I bought it from said to use between a 32:1 and a 50:1 mixture. I have been using 50:1 consistently. I just looked closer at my two tanks, I thought one was a 6 gal, it is a 5 gal so I have probably been a bit heavy on the oil in that tank. I have been using TC-W3 ("lubrimatic")<br /><br />here are my questions:<br /><br />1) Can the wrong mixture lead to it being sluggish?<br /><br />2) Both tanks are now empty and I am going to start fresh. What mixture should I use?<br /><br />3) Does brand matter? if so, what is best for my engine?<br /><br />4) should I use an engine cleaner? If so, what is a good one for this engine?<br /><br />Thanks in advance for your reply<br /><br />Kramer

 

[NathanY]

Re: 40 hp Johnson seems sluggish

Running it too rich with oil can possibly lead to a sluggish feeling, but it also build up lots-o-carbon. Do a thorough decarb and mix some fresh premix at 50:1 and change the plugs, gapped to .030 and see if that helps. Also might run a compression check. That motor is nearly 40yrs old. Might just be tired.

 

[boating brad]

Re: 40 hp Johnson seems sluggish

your first question i dont know, i have posted a similar question and got no reply. but common sense tells me yes 32:1 would more sluggish than 50:1.<br />#2 50:1 is ideal.<br />#3 doesnt really matter what brand, unless you want to be environment friendly and use a synthetic blend or 100% synthetic.<br />#4 i would pull the plugs, see if their fouling and check the gap.