How To Properly Start Johnson 28 SPL

[AJ168]

I recently acquired a Johnson 28 SPL that my mechanic tells me is mid to late 80's. He told me that to start it I push the key in and crank until it goes and then release the key. This is obviously moving a soleniod that appears to be like a plunger instead of a choke. There's also a little red valve on the solenoid, but I'm not sure what that's for. Also, there's a small plug on the solenoid that keeps falling off, and allowing fuel to drip inside the motor.

 

[DJ]

Re: How To Properly Start Johnson 28 SPL

The red valve is for manual priming.<br /><br />For "normal" operation, the red handle should be folded back, parallel to the solonoid body.<br /><br />Use this starting procedure.<br /><br />1. Pump up primer bulb.<br /><br />2. Turn key to "on"-NOT start.<br /><br />3. Push key in and count to eight.<br /><br />4. Release key.<br /><br />5. Turn key to start, without pushing it in.<br /><br />You may have to "bump" the key in to keep it running, while cold.

 

[AJ168]

Re: How To Properly Start Johnson 28 SPL

So then what's the other position for?

 

[DJ]

Re: How To Properly Start Johnson 28 SPL

AJ,<br /><br />Manual priming with the primer bulb.<br /><br />The "Perpendicular" position (to pump body) allows a pass through for flow pumped by the primer bulb.

 

[AJ168]

Re: How To Properly Start Johnson 28 SPL

Thanks.

 

[AJ168]

Re: How To Properly Start Johnson 28 SPL

But there's still the issue of fuel dripping inside the motor. Is is supposed to do this, maybe it's a relief or something?

 

[OBJ]

Re: How To Properly Start Johnson 28 SPL

AJ, you need to find out where the furl is dripping from. Pull the cover and wipe everything clean with a shop rag. this is to clear any fuel that may be hanging around. Pump up the primer bulb. When it's snug, keep a little pressure on the bulb with your hand and see if there is any place you can see that's dripping fuel......furl line connections and such.<br /><br />If nothing is visible, start the engine and let it run. Again search for leaks.<br /><br />Still nothing? Tilt the engine up as if your where taking it out of the water. Watch the carb. Maybe a little fuel running out the throat. This is just fuel that never made it to the cylinders. Makes a mess.

 

[mrloring]

Re: How To Properly Start Johnson 28 SPL

Wow I get to correct the advice given by a supreme mariner!!! Wow I knew this day would come, but not so soon. <br /><br />His almost correct advice says that the manual position is perpendicular to the pump body. <br /><br />It should be<br />Manual = red arrow towards the boat/not above the pump<br /><br />Run = red arrow away from the boat/above the pump<br /><br />Both positions result in the arrow parallel to the pump body (position change=180 degree rotation).<br /><br />I have a 1989 Johnson 28SPL and my electric choke does not work, so I manually prime mine everytime I use it. Where can I buy that selonoid? Can't find it on iboats.<br /><br />Thanks

 

[OBJ]

Re: How To Properly Start Johnson 28 SPL

The solenoid is an OEM product. You'll have to see your local John/Rude dealer to get one. PN 437233....Bout $65.

 

[mrloring]

Re: How To Properly Start Johnson 28 SPL

Thanks for the info. Gotta go to the shop to get a carb kit anyways.

 

[rodbolt]

Re: How To Properly Start Johnson 28 SPL

Mloring<br />yours is broke. it should not rotate 180*, close but not quite. with the end of the red lever pointing away from the fuel lines on the cap and the lever parrallel with the body its in the off position. with the lever 90*-120* from the body its in the prime position. its common for the oring to leak. they sell a little kit for it. when it is moved to the off position you should feel it lock into a detent.

 

[mrloring]

Re: How To Properly Start Johnson 28 SPL

Kit as in rebuilt kit? I guess it is broke because mine does turn a full 180* from run to prime. Doesn't seem to have that click you speak of. I bought the motor last year and was told when I bought it that it didn't work and to prime it manually. Prime it while doing launch prep and it thats it. I want to fix it though as I will be using the boat next year for a camping trip(docked)and not trailering everyday. <br /><br />Anyways, guess I still have alot to learn before I reach supreme mariner status. Old Evinrude I bought is sure to teach me alot with the problems it has.

 

[AJ168]

Re: How To Properly Start Johnson 28 SPL

I know exactly where the fuel is leaking from. Towards the front of the solenoid is a small hole, almost looks to be a relief that a small rubber plug was on, almost what you'd cover the sharp end of a screw with. Problem is this falls off and the fuel leaks out.

 

[Al Mottola]

Re: How To Properly Start Johnson 28 SPL

Hi guys, I'm AJ's dad. I do not think he explained himself too clearly on where the fuel is leaking from. We see a small amount of fuel leaking from front underside side of the solenoid. There is a small rubber cap that slips over what appears to be a fuel line barb fitting. This fitting is parallel to another fuel line on the solenoid. Even though this rubber cap is tight, it does slip off when under way. I assume as the fuel pressures builds, it gets pushed off. <br /><br />What do you mean "manually prime"? Do you mean as the fuel line ball is squeezed, fuel is also shot into the carb's manifold? If so, isn't there the possibility of flooding the motor? Also, when should the manual prime be done? Right now the red lever is pointed towards the stern, and the motor starts and runs fine.

 

[DJ]

Re: How To Properly Start Johnson 28 SPL

ALM, <br /><br />I'm not sure what that extra hose barb is for.<br /><br />Yes, the "manual" poistion is to do exactly what you described. No, in won't flood the engine.<br /><br />I can't relate the lever position to the boat, only to the solonoid body itself.<br /><br />Parallel is normal (key operation). Perpendicular (90 degrees) is manual.