J60ttleo hard starting/running a little rough

[Claunder]

Hello all,
Have a 95’ Johnson 2 stroke still with VRO working. Model J60TTLEO. Engine has always been a little finicky getting started when cold but recently has gotten a lot worse. I’ve learned the cold start procedure which entails pushing the key in with fast idle level up and cranking. Motor seems to start consistently once warm. Also sounds a little rough at idle but I’ve never owned a 2 stroke before. I’ve taken the carbs apart and cleaned them. 120psi on all 3 cylinders. Replaced the fuel filter. Tested the solenoid/electric primer. I’m pretty sure the fuel system is okay and have started to look into the ignition system. Tested the coils with ohm meter and they are within spec. Tested the spark plug leads and they are within spec. Did a spark test by myself to try and get the spark plugs to jump a 7/16” gap and they did, but not consistently. 2/3 jumped the gap better than the latter. I’m starting to think I may have weak spark. Also to give you as much info as possible I’ve been using NGK equivalent to the recommended Champion spark plugs. Wasn’t sure if that would make a difference but also recently realized they were gapped to far. So I closed the gap to 0.03 as per spec. Not sure if I should start looking into the power pack or the stator and not sure what I would be looking for anyways.

Any help would be great,
Thanks guys

 

[oldboat1]

Get an open air spark tester (not the inline type), and test again. Possibly with all plugs out so it turns over faster. I use Champion plugs gapped at .030 where recommended by the manufacturer, but the discussion is a little like oil preferences (long and endless).

Ed. ^^That's an exaggeration. Oil discussions are worse.

 

[Claunder]

Put champion plugs gapped at 0.03 today and it started much easier and pretty consistently. Still idling a little rough though, I’m wondering if that could be a timing issue

 

[oldboat1]

Could be timing -- might pull the flywheel and see if the key is damaged or missing/sheared. First, though, think I would try to fine tune the air fuel mixture needle at the carb tops. Motor should be warmed up and in the water. Easy does it -- try a little leaner first (clockwise). If it misses/pops at some point, rotate clockwise about 1/4 turn (should be close).

 

[Claunder]

Could be timing -- might pull the flywheel and see if the key is damaged or missing/sheared. First, though, think I would try to fine tune the air fuel mixture needle at the carb tops. Motor should be warmed up and in the water. Easy does it -- try a little leaner first (clockwise). If it misses/pops at some point, rotate clockwise about 1/4 turn (should be close).

Ahh okay makes sense, I’ll try that carb adjustment first and let ya know how it goes! Thanks

 

[racerone]

Hard starting ?-----Load test the battery.------Take starter apart for inspection ( new brushes ? )----Ohm check on starter armature.----Inspect battery cables.

 

[oldboat1]

^^agree. Sometimes just cleaning up the armature and brush assembly is enough (use electrical cleaner spray).

re. carb adjustment -- typo in #4. Clockwise (leaner) first until motor lean sneezes or stalls, then counterclockwise (richer) about 1/4 turn.