71' Johnson 9.5 questions

[jhohanshelt]

I picked up a 71' Johnson 9.5HP the other day and the pull starter was broke off. I got around to putting a new pull start rope back on the motor tonight. I then gave it a few pulls to make sure the rope is good and I noticed it was very hard to get the flywheel to spin. It kind of went in pumps (easy, hard, easy, hard) as it was trying to turn. Is this normal?? I'm new to outboards and I'm afraid I got into something over my head on this one... Any suggestions on what might be causing this "hard" pull in the motor? I tired to explain this to the best I could, hopefully someone knows what I'm talking about. Any info is greatly appreciated!

 

[mini-x fan]

Re: 71' Johnson 9.5 questions

I have a 9.5 also. The easy/hard transition you are feeling is the pumping of the pistons. To be sure I'm right, pull the spark plugs out, and have someone pull the rope while you hold your finger over the spark plug hole. If it is pumping out air when you spin it, it is what I think it is. Pull the rope out all the way slowly, I think there should be four hard sections/pumps in the whole rope pull. I may be wrong, but I hope this helps. It is completely normal if it is the undulation of the pistons, mine does that too.

Tight Lines and good luck

 

[jhohanshelt]

Re: 71' Johnson 9.5 questions

Thanks for the advice. Like I said, I'm a complete newbie to outboards. I'm sure it is 'normal' like you said which is good news. I ordered a service manual and once it arrives, I will be cleaning the carb and replacing the impeller. After I complete that I will fire it up and hopefully she purrs. Is there anything else I should look into doing while I'm under the hood? Until then, wish me luck!

 

[mini-x fan]

Re: 71' Johnson 9.5 questions

Check for a spark, and check compression if you can. I am new to them as well, but I do have some mechanical knowledge. This is my first project outboard. Can you do me a favor and describe how to get the carb off on this motor? It is an odd carb and any help would be appreciated. I can't wait to try to fire mine up after I complete this seemingly impossible lower unit re-seal job! Good Luck

Tight Lines