60 hp Johnson questions

fenderguy

Recruit
Joined
Jul 16, 2002
Messages
2
Hello,<br /> First, I'd like to say that this is a really great forum. I searched for my questions, so if they have been covered before, sorry 'bout that! <br /> I've got a '90 model 60 hp Johnson Tracker pro on a 24 ft. pontoon. I've ordered a manual for it but, until it gets here I have a few questions. <br /> I drained the lower unit grease and it was really black and smelled almost like diesal. What gives?<br /> I was checking the plugs and found that they were barely tight. The crush rings on them weren't even crushed at all. It looks like oil has been running down from the top plug down the engine. The other plugs had some oil around them too but not actually on the working area of the plug. The gap was 030. on them.<br /> I'd like to check the compression. What should it be?<br /> I'd also like to verify the tach. What's easiest/best way to do it? Thanks.<br /><br />Dan
 

Backlash

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
May 16, 2001
Messages
586
Re: 60 hp Johnson questions

Hey Dan,<br />Your lower unit lube has probably never been changed! Routine maintenance requires annual changing. Get a manual to determine torque specs & proper gap for your plugs. Check your compression and compare the results between cylinders. It's important that they be pretty close to the same psi (within 10% of each other).<br />Backlash
 

fenderguy

Recruit
Joined
Jul 16, 2002
Messages
2
Re: 60 hp Johnson questions

okay,<br /> Thanks backlash. I changed the plugs and got new grease in the lower unit. The thing is now that when I put it in foward or reverse, most of the time, it dies. I runs fine after I get it past this "dead" spot. Also, it needs to be choked most of the time to start. Even when warm. Could it be a main jet is gummed up? The tach says it tops out at about 5100 rpm. On a boat this size, is this about right? Thanks. <br /><br />Dan
 
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