Johnson 2hp sputter - timing?

[dthrckt]

My 2hp has started sputter/coughing so much that it won't stay running.

I've cleaned the carb and put in a new plug. I don't think it is a fuel flow problem because in the past when that WAS a problem I'd have to run it at half choke but it would never cough.

Could anybody point me in the right direction for checking the timing and/or the rest of the ignition system?

Thanks

 

[Daviet]

Re: Johnson 2hp sputter - timing?

You didn't say what year your motor is, if it has points you might want to check condition and make sure gap is correct. Check coil for visable cracks.

 

[dthrckt]

Re: Johnson 2hp sputter - timing?

she's a '77. Guess i'll have to hunt for an OEM manual since I'm not sure how to do that.

 

[Daviet]

Re: Johnson 2hp sputter - timing?

The points are located under the flywheel. You have to remove it to set the points and check the coil. It would be a good idea to get a manual, it will help you to trouble shoot your engine and show you how to repair it. When you cleaned your carb did you remove both jets and clean all passages and blow out with compressed air? Sputter/coughing almost sounds like a fuel problem.

 

[dthrckt]

Re: Johnson 2hp sputter - timing?

I did clean the jets w/ aerosol carb cleaner but I only soaked the bowl since you have to take a lot more apart to get the whole carb off.

It could be a fuel issue, so the carb will be more thoroughly cleaned when I disassemble to check the ignition system. I hope the flywheel is easier to remove than on my '57 35hp!

 

[dthrckt]

Re: Johnson 2hp sputter - timing?

resolved the problem - checked the ignition system and it seemed ok so i put a complete carb kit in after doing a very thorough carb cleaning.

just a tiny decrease in sputtering.

decided to try sea foam - basically followed instructions from the top secret file, several times, and then put 100% sea foam (w/ oil added 50:1) in the tank and burned up about 8 ozs of that. motor wouldn't stay running long w/ that as fuel (but didn't sputter much). I kept restarting it and going full throttle.

Drained the rest of that out and put regular gas/oil in.

The sputtering just about disappeared - might do it once or twice every 5 minutes. Downside...it seems like I've lost about 50% of the horsepower and i can't idle down much below the throttle's start position or she'll quit.

I vaguely remember someone claiming that removing carbon (from a beat up motor) can reduce compression. I thought that sounded unlikely but I'm guessing that is what has happened. Unfortunately I don't have a compression tester to confirm that.

Guess I've got another project for a long cold winter