Carb trouble - '83 Johnson 140hp...please help!!

ohyeah829

Seaman
Joined
Sep 27, 2004
Messages
69
I am trying to tune up my engine with a little help here and a little help there. My carbs need to be either tuned up, cleaned or rebuilt. And, I was hoping many of you could assist me. I'm not to familiar with marine engines, but don't want to pay $500 plus to rebuild carbs and water pump.<br /><br />1st, let's try cleaning them. Could someone explain the process and what you use to clean them (brand)??<br /><br />Thanks for everyone's help in advance. I really appreciate this forum!!
 

Brew2

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jan 12, 2004
Messages
427
Re: Carb trouble - '83 Johnson 140hp...please help!!

Hey Ohyeah.<br /><br />First thing you gotta do is buy a manual. It is going to have step by step instructions on how to remove, clean, reinstall your carbs (and waterpump, and.....). Best $30-$40 you'll ever spend.<br /><br />Having said that, doing the carbs and waterpump yourself isn't that difficult. Rebuilding the carbs just involves replacing a few gaskets and other parts while you have it apart for cleaning. You can buy a carb kit with all the necessary items at any dealer. I would guess they would be about $15-$20 per kit. You'll need one kit for each carb. <br /><br />Additionally you'll need some carb cleaner. Comes in both an aerosol and dipping format. Either will work, however I think most think the dipping method works best for metal carbs (don't dip any plastic parts or they might disappear on you!). I saw a recommendation for "Berryman's" brand carb cleaner on a post earlier today. Doing a search on "Carb Cleaner" (see red SEARCH function at top of page) will probably provide a bunch of suggestions re brands.<br /><br />Hope that helps. Good luck!<br /><br />Brew
 

ohyeah829

Seaman
Joined
Sep 27, 2004
Messages
69
Re: Carb trouble - '83 Johnson 140hp...please help!!

Yeah, I've got the manual.....don't know why I didn't resort to that first...had it stashed away. Thanks for your help.
 

ohyeah829

Seaman
Joined
Sep 27, 2004
Messages
69
Re: Carb trouble - '83 Johnson 140hp...please help!!

Ok, do I need to pull the carb to clean it or can it be cleaned while mounted??
 

Brew2

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jan 12, 2004
Messages
427
Re: Carb trouble - '83 Johnson 140hp...please help!!

You need to pull it to clean it...but it doesn't take very long to do.<br /><br />The main things to check are that the jets are clear and the float bowl hasn't gotten gummed up with varnish from old gas.<br /><br />Good luck!<br /><br />Brew
 

reka12

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Feb 25, 2005
Messages
185
Re: Carb trouble - '83 Johnson 140hp...please help!!

Ohyeah: Careful when soaking the carbs. Remove the gaskets first. When finished soaking and everything is loosened up, verify the ports and small guides (holes) are cleared by using compressed air. If you do not have a compresser, you can use a can of compressed air, like a lens or electronic "clean air" can (which is really co2.)
 

ohyeah829

Seaman
Joined
Sep 27, 2004
Messages
69
Re: Carb trouble - '83 Johnson 140hp...please help!!

Ok, what about the spray? Would this not work? I'm just not to sure about pulling it. I'm not a "mechanic"...only know the basics....
 

DHPMARINE

Captain
Joined
Dec 16, 2003
Messages
3,688
Re: Carb trouble - '83 Johnson 140hp...please help!!

Do yuo have an OMC manual?Aftermarket ones are realy too vauge.<br /><br />DHP
 

ohyeah829

Seaman
Joined
Sep 27, 2004
Messages
69
Re: Carb trouble - '83 Johnson 140hp...please help!!

Thanks for the reply. It's a Clymer Evinrude/Johnson Outboard Shop Manual by Primedia. Not sure if this is what your looking for. I purchased it on Ebay.
 

OBJ

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Dec 27, 2002
Messages
10,161
Re: Carb trouble - '83 Johnson 140hp...please help!!

The OEM service manuals are the best to have. It gives specific info for your particular engine. The generics give good info in some cases but mostly just general info for several engines. You can check the links below for reprints of the originals. I would also suggest a parts manual as well so you can see what part is what....so to speak.<br /><br /> http://www.marineengine.com/manuals/johnson/order_pre-1980.html <br /><br /> http://ww3.kencook.com/evinrudejohnsonmanuals/ <br /><br />With your 140, I would recommend an OEM manual. It would also give you specific instructions on doing the sync and link to complete the tune up.<br /><br />Cleaning the carbs is not real hard. As posted above, soaking in carb cleaner is the best route. Follow up with choke and carb cleaner in a can sprayed through all passages and then follow up with compressed air. The OEM manual will also give float settings to.
 

Solittle

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Apr 28, 2002
Messages
7,518
Re: Carb trouble - '83 Johnson 140hp...please help!!

Spaying the outside without removal, soaking, blowing out with compressed air will only make it look pretty. I could still be packed with crud inside. Bit the bullet - - it is not hard at all.
 
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