87 50hp Johnson- Cant get to start!

[thehermit]

OK heres the deal:
Motor turns over and wont start. It has good spark (blue) and the plugs are getting gas (wet) and it even farts every one in a while when trying to start. But it just wont go.
This is what I have done:
replaced VRO pump with new fuel pump (non VRO)-that didnt do it help it but I had to do anyway.
Rebuilt both carbs with new floats and all parts. That didnt do it but this did fix the stuck bottom carb float problem.

I am now thinking it may be something of a timing issue since I have fuel and spark. Someone had mentioned the flywheel key?!

Any thoughts comments on what to check next?
Thanks

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: 87 50hp Johnson- Cant get to start!

If you have good spark and fuel, then I would pull the flywheel and check the key...

 

[thehermit]

Re: 87 50hp Johnson- Cant get to start!

Good spark = blue spark right?

What do you look for with the flywheel key?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 87 50hp Johnson- Cant get to start!

look straight down at the top center if the flywheel nut and crank shaft. ther is a groove in the shaft and fly wheel, witha woodruff key in the slot. if this is off the slightest bit, the timing is off. when you did the carbs did you remove all the jets and clean the orifices and jets. have you done a link and sinc, since the carbs, as this puts the carbs and timing in sinc so the advance together. post back

 

[thehermit]

Re: 87 50hp Johnson- Cant get to start!

Capt.
I replaced the orifices, flaot and float needle. I have not done the lnk-nsync yet. I did just double check that they were working in unison and figured that would be enough to get it to run (even if like rough).
When I get home I will check the FW. I do remember that someone had put paint on the top too (red dot of paint). I dont know if that is original practice or what.

 

[thehermit]

Re: 87 50hp Johnson- Cant get to start!

Well,

Have not taken the flywheel off yet...heres why.
I turn the motor to 0-degrees on the timing mark and the motor is ad TDC. So I look hard at the red paint someone has put on the flywheel and shaft (more like a mark). It has not budged. If the key had sheared then this paint mark would have been broken.
Did take off the lower carb and cleaned and double checked again.
Also cleaned all leads abd ground to Power pak and ignition components. I also blew the fuse in the ignition harness so I can not try to start again till tonight.

What is the deal on spark timing??

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 87 50hp Johnson- Cant get to start!

since the engine faq is down i found some others. go to 'boatpartstore.com' click outboard trouble shooting. follow prompts. give it a read.

 

[Walker]

Re: 87 50hp Johnson- Cant get to start!

Do a compression test. Lower compression will make a motor dang hard to start and give a few snorts every once in a while like you are getting.

 

[thehermit]

Re: 87 50hp Johnson- Cant get to start!

Walker,
Compression is 90 lbs on both (cold). I assume that should be enough to get it going. Let me know if that sounds to low!

Took carbs back off and they are A-OK. They should not be the prob.

Barrowing flywheel puller so I can have a look see under there.

Tashas....I will follow link and read more....

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 87 50hp Johnson- Cant get to start!

compression is a bit low but ok, a decarb w/ seafoam afterward may bring it up.

 

[thehermit]

Re: 87 50hp Johnson- Cant get to start!

OK Flywheel off and Key is fine!

Sensor Coil and charge Coil seem to be the culprit. Sensor coil output test showing no voltage (AC or DC). Charge Coil showing only half of the rcomended voltage (AC). So it appears that the engine is putting out weak spark (charge coil) with no timing at all (sensor). I know it is not the powerpack (new-ouch). Going to get ore parts today.

 

[thehermit]

Re: 87 50hp Johnson- Cant get to start!

Well,
Goose Chase continues...I have a new 50HP Anchor!

Replaced sensor coil and charge coil and still will not start! The only thing I can think of is some kind of blow by or powerhead issue! I think I give up!

 

[fireman57]

Re: 87 50hp Johnson- Cant get to start!

Is it possible that you have the plug wires crossed? Is the spark bright blue? Did you hear this engine run before you bought it?

 

[thehermit]

Re: 87 50hp Johnson- Cant get to start!

firemap,
The engine did not run when I bought it. The seller said it ran perfect so he stored it (2 yrs). I purchased it for a song becuase he could not get it going.
I am at the point now wher I do not mind continuing to tinker but I dont want to invest any more.
Spark is Blue and excellant-coil wires on correctly-powerpack wires on correctly (orange and blue to #1). It sounds like it wants to go but simply wont.
Have spark-have gas. :/

 

[Silvertip]

Re: 87 50hp Johnson- Cant get to start!

Blue spark means little. Good spark exhibits a loud snap and should jump a 3/8-inch gap minimum. If not, you have a spark issue.

 

[thehermit]

Re: 87 50hp Johnson- Cant get to start!

Silver,
Spark is Strong-definately not a problem

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: 87 50hp Johnson- Cant get to start!

Water in the fuel? Spark plugs good? Even new ones have been known to have problems. Have you tried putting some pre-mix in a spray bottle(Not the same stuff that's already in the fuel tank) and shooting it into the carb throats and try to start it? I know this is not recommended, but shoot a little ether in there right after you shoot some fuel mix in the throats. See if it at least attempts to start. Drastic times call for drastic measures...

 

[thehermit]

Re: 87 50hp Johnson- Cant get to start!

Hi Rick,
I have swithced plugs, swithced tanks. It gets fuel cause I can foul it to the point where it dosnt burp anymore. I read up on a few more posts and may take a closer look at the reeds (looking for open reed I guess).