'56 Johnson Javelin Shift/Throttle problem

[kfa4303]

Re: '56 Johnson Javelin Shift/Throttle problem

Another trick you can do to test if the gear are working on land is to remove the spark plugs and put the motor in NEU. Next, rotate the flywheel clockwise by hand a few times (you could also use the electric starter, if you have one). At this point, you should NOT see the prop spin at all. Now shift the motor into FWD and again rotate the flywheel clockwise by hand. This time you should see the prop spin clockwise, if you were to view it from the rear of the boat. Finally, shift the motor into REV and rotate the flywheel clockwise again. The prop should now rotate counterclockwise when viewed from the rear of the boat. If it all checks out replace the spark plugs and you'll be good to go. Make sure you shift gears quickly and crisply rather than trying to "slide" into gear. That's how you'll wear out the clutch dogs, and you don't want to deal with that again. You can check everything when you get back on land. Good luck, keep us posted. Fingers crossed

 

[KathyD19]

Re: '56 Johnson Javelin Shift/Throttle problem

Thanks for that tip, I think I will try that tomorrow before heading over to the lake. I have a stupid question though: since I'm not sure how to turn over the flywheel by hand and I do have an electric starter I will use, I would imagine the step of first removing the spark plugs is so it won't fire up but does the starter make it do anything at all if there's no "juice" from the sparks? The prop can move without the engine actually starting up? Again, I'm a newbie at this stuff..the closest I've done with 2 cyl. motors is taking apart my Lawn Boy for the heck of it.

 

[HighTrim]

Re: '56 Johnson Javelin Shift/Throttle problem

Removing the plugs, and grounding out the plug lead keeps the motor from starting accidentally, potentially injuring you or someone else. It also makes it easier to turn the flywheel by hand, or pull over with the recoil, as the compression is taken away.

This is also helpful when testing compression.

 

[Willyclay]

Re: '56 Johnson Javelin Shift/Throttle problem

Tomorrow afternoon I will drive it to the lake and we shall see if I did this right. I will definitely post and let everyone know...then we can put this thread to bed!

Wow, I dropped out for a couple days and returned to find out you are ready to declare a victory! Wishing all the best for your lake test.

 

[ivan77]

Re: '56 Johnson Javelin Shift/Throttle problem

not sure how to delete my accidental post.

 

[KathyD19]

Re: '56 Johnson Javelin Shift/Throttle problem

A dash of success and a heaping shovel of failure. I finally got to the lake and at first it wouldn't start, just backfired a few times. I checked the gas tank and it did let off pressure when I opened the lid but it had "steamy" appearing mist coming out that I never noticed before and the plunger to make the tank pressurized wouldn't plunge, even when it was open. I don't know if that's because it's sat for awhile or what but it used to plunge just fine. I disconnected the fuel line from the motor to see if when I pumped the plunger any gas came out but none did. I sloshed the tank around a few times thinking maybe something had gotten sucked up next to the line inside. Still didn't help, I have no idea what's up with that but I pushed the throttle up halfway and tried it one more time. It started! Hmm...no idea what's up with the tank but at least it started. I snapped it sharply into forward gear and away we went!! My new clutch dog worked great! I got out of the no-wake zone of the marina and put the throttle up faster, not going to go too far out of course because it was getting dark and she seemed fine. Then the motor died. I looked back at it and there was white smoke coming out from under the hood!!! Oh crap, what did I do??? I checked to be sure the motor was tilted fully in the water since I had used the transom saver this time, it did need to be pushed further down but not to the level that it couldn't suck water. It must be that the impeller wasn't working since I'd replaced it. I was far from the marina with not a soul around so I started rowing but really felt like I was getting nowhere after about 20 min. of that and the sun had set. So I really had no choice but to see if the motor would even start at all to at least get me a little closer to the marina. It did and I kept the throttle low then killed it as soon as I was in rowing distance. There was more whitish smoke from under the cowl and it smelled hot. So guys...my guess is that the I did something wrong when I replaced the impeller and will have to drop the LU to figure that out, then I will bucket test it in the driveway before I bother with the hauling to the lake again. But I'm so scared I've ruined the motor from overheating it. What have I done???? I'm ready to cry or punch something...maybe both.

 

[HighTrim]

Re: '56 Johnson Javelin Shift/Throttle problem

Did you notice if it was pumping water?

Possible she overheated and you blew a gasket. The white smoke may have been steam from water evapourating when it got into the motor. Get some fogging oil or the like into the cylinders just in case, and check compression. Let us know what you find.

The plunger issue is another problem altogether.

 

[KathyD19]

Re: '56 Johnson Javelin Shift/Throttle problem

I don't think it was pumping out any water...I checked the "pee" place (well, THAT sure didn't sound right!) after it died and it was dry.
What is fogging oil and do they sell it at an auto parts store? Is there a thread about how to get it into the cylinders?

 

[Willyclay]

Re: '56 Johnson Javelin Shift/Throttle problem

What is fogging oil and do they sell it at an auto parts store? Is there a thread about how to get it into the cylinders?

I'm back and guess I jinxed your lake test. Sorry!

It really is called "fogging oil" and should be available at Walmart, autoparts or marinas. Remove the spark plugs and spray it directly into the cylinders. Don't use the whole can as it goes a long way. I've been using the same can to winterize my power equipment, outboard motors and my son's Mercruiser V-6 for several years. Mine is CRC brand.

http://www.iboats.com/Marine-Foggin...2012+Winterizing+Alert-_-Coupons-_-FoggingOil

We won't give up on your motor if you won't! It could be something simple like the water tube is misaligned or the impeller did not engage the drive pin on the driveshaft. Hopefully, it survived the latest episode to live another day. Good luck!

 

[82rude]

Re: '56 Johnson Javelin Shift/Throttle problem

have faith kathy ive went across an entire lake with no impeller with a 58 johnson 18 hp 20 odd years ago and it seized .so took the plugs out ,wacked the pistons free with a hardwood dowel and that motor is still running today.those old motors are tuff ,tuff,tuff.i know what happened for you.the first stopping of the motor was telling you im overheating .the plunger was ok as the line was full so it couldnt give more fuel to the carb.

 

[Big Jay]

Re: '56 Johnson Javelin Shift/Throttle problem

Kathy...

I've been following your thread with great interest. You are "some kinda woman" !!

My heart sank reading your "dash of success" post... Stay positive until you find out what happened for sure. I hope it's something simple, but even if it's not, you've already proven you got the right stuff to pull off any fix thrown your way.

Keep us all posted!!

Big Jay

 

[cgibbo308]

Re: '56 Johnson Javelin Shift/Throttle problem

Oh Kath, you were doing so well...
And you still are by the end of this, you will be able to do others and make a lil cash on the side haha
I too have seized a few small engines.. mine was a lil 100cc honda i was riding at the time.. and she ran for anothe 2 years. till my dad plugged a hole in the crank case with timber, still she ran fine..
First rule is.. DONT PANIC.....

all is not lost..
now you know the gear works, there is no need for lake testing till you figure out the water issue. bucket test till your sure its fine.

drop the leg off. attach a cordless drill to the shaft and spin it up in the bucket. thay may work, it may not. i only just thought of it.
if it works and sprays you in the face, tell me, as i need a laugh

Im sure we all would like a short video of it when its all finished
gibbo

 

[KathyD19]

Re: '56 Johnson Javelin Shift/Throttle problem

Thanks everyone for the support. I was feeling like I'm being a pain in the a** by making this such a long thread. I'm home from work and going to drop the LU and check the impeller. I might just replace the old impeller since I still have it and it's in good shape and was working great (I only replaced it since it was unknown how old it was and it's recommended to replace it every couple of years). Quickie question first: can I use SeaFoam Deep Creep in the cylinders instead of fogging oil (as I was recommended to use)? I already have that on hand but I'll have to head back to town to get fogging oil. If I need it, though I'll do it! Let me know ASAP!

**Gibbo: great idea with the drill! How do I attach it to the shaft though?
**WillyClay, my buddy!! You didn't jinx me...but you should have driven to central Illinois instead of to Annapolis!
**High Trim: I'm keeping fingers crossed it wasn't the head gasket since it wasn't billowing out clouds of white smoke, just had whitish misty smoke seeping out from under the cowl.
**82rude: THANK you for telling me that you'd driven on no impeller and it didn't kill your motor. I kept telling myself that, how everyone has said how tough these old motors are. Actually, I kept talking to the motor itself telling her she was a tough girl (like me!) and she's gonna be fine! You should have heard me out there praying in the middle of that lake as it got dark and there was no one who could help me. I started out praying straight up to God then I got Jesus involved, reminded Him that He used to fish on boats with the guys and surely He could help me out here, even if they didn't have power motors back in the day....

 

[AlTn]

Re: '56 Johnson Javelin Shift/Throttle problem

it states on the side of the can ," can be used as fogging oil"..wouldn't recommend reusing the old impeller...do a compression test and post numbers before trying to fire the beast back up...

 

[KathyD19]

Re: '56 Johnson Javelin Shift/Throttle problem

Didn't have comp. tester so I headed to the store to get that and the fogging oil since I was there. Took the plugs out, screwed the comp. tester in and tried to turn it over by using the rope puller (which I'd never used before and it looks all cracked like no ones ever used it before). Very stiff, would rotate a bit then be stiff again, hard to pull. Nothing like my old 2 stroke Lawn Boy mower, can't get it to spin a full rotation freely. Getting scared I messed it up big time. Can't get any number on the comp. tester either, probably since I can't rotate it much. I sprayed the fogging oil in there and waited then tried to pull again, feels the same. Should I try to use the electric start instead? If so, do I have it in a bucket of water for that or is it ok to do that dry since the plugs are out and it shouldn't be able to start up anyhow? Feeling pretty discouraged and I haven't even pulled the LU yet.

 

[Big Jay]

Re: '56 Johnson Javelin Shift/Throttle problem

Hey Kath...

If you leave the spark plug holes open (no plugs or tester ), can you turn the flywheel clockwise by hand?

If you can, then the resistance you're feeling with the tester in place is just the compression fighting you back. A good sign for that cylinder. If this is the case, you need to crank hard on the hand starter about 4-5 times to get compression results. Make sure you prime the rope first (pull it out slow until it engages the flywheel) then give it 4 to 5 good hard yanks. I'm sure you can use the electric starter too, but I've no experience with it compression testing. Maybe someone else can help with how long to crank the key for accurate results.

IF... you can't turn the flywheel clockwise with nothing in the plug holes then something is binding.

 

[kfa4303]

Re: '56 Johnson Javelin Shift/Throttle problem

Hi Kathy. I would suggest you remove the spark plugs, then spray in a liberal amount of Deep Creep, or similar product and try turning the motor over using the the electric starter. It doesn't need to be in a test tank, or anything. These old beasts can be tough to pull start on a good day, never mind with a crusty old rope. Once you've removed the spark plugs and disconnected them from the spark plug wires, see if it will turn over with a nice "lub-dub" sound and feel. Even if you blew the head gasket, it can be replaced and the motor saved. We won't give up just yet. Don't worry about getting it to start or run right now, just make sure it wil stil turn over and seized up and we'll take it from there. Keep breathing

 

[KathyD19]

Re: '56 Johnson Javelin Shift/Throttle problem

Thanks again guys, for giving me ideas and lifting my spirits. With both plugs out it will turn (although it's testing my muscles!) Didn't really notice a 'lub dub" feel or sound but then I'm inside the boat yanking on the starter rope (and maybe cussing?) With one plug out and the other hole containing the comp. tester, can't get that puppy to spin freely for anything. Was getting ready to hook the battery up and use the electric starter but we started to get some rain so I'm inside til that passes then I'll go back out and try that. I did another long generous spray of Fogging Oil into both cylinder holes. Also I'm adding a pic of the spark plugs that I removed. The lower one had some white corrosion looking crud on it. They were both new this summer and I've only had the boat out 4 times so not much use on them. One thing online said a whitish appearing plug could indicate lean fuel?

 

[nwcove]

Re: '56 Johnson Javelin Shift/Throttle problem

plugs dont look to bad, maybe a bit on the lean side. can you post a close up pic of the business end of the plugs?

 

[KathyD19]

Re: '56 Johnson Javelin Shift/Throttle problem


Here you go. I'm gonna head back outside now that the rain has passed and try to use the electric starter to check compression now.