57Johnson 18hp seaking starting problem help

madera

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May 30, 2003
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29
unfamiliar with this outboard. replaced float in carb. spray starter fluid into carb motor will run for short time. doesn't seem to be pulling gas thru carb(carb seems clean). gas tank is type with two hoses(one fuel/one air) gas tank has primer button on it. What role does air line play coming off engine?
 

JB

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Mar 25, 2001
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45,907
Re: 57Johnson 18hp seaking starting problem help

FAQ, "Outboard wont start", Madera.<br /><br />NEVER use starter fluid on a 2 stroke engine.<br /><br />Unfamiliar with engine? Get a Repair Manual.<br /><br />Good luck. :)
 

madera

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May 30, 2003
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Re: 57Johnson 18hp seaking starting problem help

i understand-starting fluid with no oil bad thing, now can you help me?
 

Chinewalker

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Aug 19, 2001
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Re: 57Johnson 18hp seaking starting problem help

Hi Madera,<br /> Your motor uses a pressure feed fuel system. As such, the fuel tank builds up pressure to force fuel into the carburetor. The airline feeds air from the crankcase of the motor into the tank to build up this pressure while the motor is running. The primer button simply fills the carb with fuel and doesn't do anything to pressurize the tank. As a pressure tank, the gas cap must be tight, and the rubber gasket inside the cap must be in good shape. The cork gasket under the cartridge on top of the tank must also be in good shape. The rubber o-rings in the fuel fitting must be free of cracks or dings.<br /> It sounds as if your motor isn't fully primed, or perhaps the carb needs a good cleaning. Both needles should be set at about 1.5 turns from closed - pay no attention to the numbers on the face plate. When you have everything adjusted for best running, only then will you loosen the center screw on the needles and center the small levers on their respective numerical scale. When you're done the needles will likely be about: Low Speed 1 1/4 turn from closed, High Speed 3/4 turn from closed. Final adjustment should not be done in a barrel, but rather on a boat , in gear. If the motor is allowed to suck in it's own exhaust, it will mess up the adjustments.<br /> You said you replaced the float - is the float level correct? Should sit level with the carb body when the carb is inverted. The manual with give you the specifics.<br />- Scott
 

madera

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May 30, 2003
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Re: 57Johnson 18hp seaking starting problem help

great, going outside right now to give it a try--thanks for your help
 

JB

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Mar 25, 2001
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45,907
Re: 57Johnson 18hp seaking starting problem help

Madera.<br /><br />Perhaps you didn't understand.<br /><br />In the FAQ section is a lengthy article on how to troubleshoot an outboard that wont start.<br /><br />I was referring you to that article rather than writing out the same words for the 300th time. That is why it is there.<br /><br />Good luck. :)
 
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