I did something stupid

[jlw1972]

Carburetors on a 97 Johnson 115 90deg.

I put rebuild kits in them and in the process of knocking out the core plugs, I made a BooBoo. I was using a screw instead of a punch and after I knocked it in, I gave it an additional turn. It went deeper than it needed too. Now one of the holes that was under the core plug is about twice the size that it was.

What are the purpose of these holes and is this something that I need to fix??

I have the correct size drill bit. I'm thinking that if it's a big deal, I can just close the hole up with JB weld and re-drill them. Will this work??

I rebuilt this whole engine this past weekend and it went together perfect. And now, this. It's always the little stuff that gets me.

What do I need to do??

 

[TD_Maker]

Re: I did something stupid

Jlw1972 That drives me crazy too. I am so careful to do things the right way, then I will over think it and do something stupid. I have the same issues brother.

I would look for a used Carb body on Ebay. The casting number is stamped on the outside, and it would sure solve some worry issues. I am not sure how a plugged and drilled core plug would work....I guess it would be worth a try. Those old model carbs are readily available though.

 

[F_R]

Re: I did something stupid

Those holes below the core plug are the passages through which all the fuel flows at idle speeds. They are somewhat precision. Can it be restored?? I have no idea, never tried it. Good luck.

 

[HighTrim]

Re: I did something stupid

Good luck indeed, lol.

I think I would be looking for a used carb body as well.

 

[daselbee]

Re: I did something stupid

Gotta get a new carb. The holes are precise metering holes that measure the right amount of gas flow for idle.
On the other hand, try it. You might never even see the difference. The idle will be richer. Maybe the plug for that cylinder will foul out at idle easier....who knows.

I ALWAYS use a drill to drill the core plug very slowly, never allowing the bit to punch through and bottom out in that calibration pocket underneath. Then I thread the appropriate screw into the hole, and pull the plug out with a visegrip. I don't understand your method of knocking the plug IN....never saw one removed in that manner.

 

[boobie]

Re: I did something stupid

Try it the way it is and see what happens. If it doesn't work out, then look for a new carb body.

 

[jlw1972]

Re: I did something stupid

Thanks for the replies/advice guy's. I didn't know exactly what the purpose of the holes were but I kinda thought they were somewhat important. Think I will try to fix it and see what happens. Worse case scenario, It doesn't idle and I'll get another carb body.

Thanks again

 

[Stumpalump]

Re: I did something stupid

I like you JB weld idea but it was my understanding that those plugs only cover up ports needed for manufacturing and cleaning. I hate screwing stuff up but we all do it. :facepalm:

 

[jlw1972]

Re: I did something stupid

Today I cranked The motor. Decided to put the carb on that I screwed up just to see if it would work. It works. A little too good though. Engine idles around 1800rpm's out of the water with a water hose connected.

Pulled the carb back off and closed the holes with jb weld and redrilled them with a 1/16 bit. I'll put the carb back on in the morning and see what I've got. Hopefully it will idle lower.

Typically,..How much higher will a motor idle out of the water vs. being in the water???? RPM's??

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: I did something stupid

On a flushette, the proper idle rpm for a 20" shaft length engine would be 1000 rpm. A 25" shaft length engine would be 1200 rpm. In the water those rpms would drop to the normal idle rpm.

 

[jlw1972]

Re: I did something stupid

On a flushette, the proper idle rpm for a 20" shaft length engine would be 1000 rpm. A 25" shaft length engine would be 1200 rpm. In the water those rpms would drop to the normal idle rpm.

Thank You Joe. That is exactly what I was looking for. This motor is a 25" shaft.

I'm gonna try this jacked up repair job on the carb. If it doesn't work, I've already got another located for $50. May buy it any way. Hate the ideal of rebuilding this motor with everything new including fuel pump and having a carburetor with Jb weld in it. The ideal of it is bothering me.

 

[HighTrim]

Re: I did something stupid

Every time something isn't running right you will be thinking of this carb repair. It will bother you. I would replace the carb and chalk it up to lesson learned. Just my 2 cents.

 

[jlw1972]

Re: I did something stupid

Every time something isn't running right you will be thinking of this carb repair. It will bother you. I would replace the carb and chalk it up to lesson learned. Just my 2 cents.

It is already bothering me. I'm gonna buy another body and just build me a new carb.

I put the repaired carb on today and it ran fine. Idled 1100-1200 rpm's (Out of the water on a flusher). But I know it's rigged.

 

[TD_Maker]

Re: I did something stupid

Don't you hate that feeling? It would drive me crazy too. Did you use the JB Weld. Curious, JB Weld has to be mixed, how did you get such a little amount into the carb plug area without slopping it all over? Did you use the epoxy putty?