Johnson 3 hp JW-13 tune up trouble

Joined
Apr 12, 2008
Messages
9
I have a JW-13 Johnson 3 hp that I have done a tune up on and can't get it to run well. I have replaced all the ignition parts except the plug wires, put a carb kit in it and got it back together but it will only run at a slow idle up to maybe 1/3 speed. I have good spark on both plugs and it runs smooth at a slow speed but can't get it to run fast at all, so I am looking for ideas on what to do next?
 

nwcove

Admiral
Joined
May 16, 2011
Messages
6,293
what are the running issues when you throttle it up? tank venting properly? have you looked at the filter thats in the tank?
 

kbait

Commander
Joined
Nov 13, 2007
Messages
2,471
When you say good spark from both wires, do you mean spark will jump 1/4" consistent blue spark in open air(spark tester)? Holding plug to block only shows .030 air gap spark, and may not be enough spark to fire under compression. And if you didn't change the plug wires, you may have a faulty connection in one of the carb boots (you can pull boot, cut 1/4" off the wire and reconnect).

Other possibles: Did you re-install the carb linkage after carb kit (been there). Otherwise, try a cylinder drop test.. run motor at high idle and pull one plug wire at a time w/insulated pliers. If it immediately dies when pulling one of the wires, then the other wire's cylinder isn't firing correctly.. due to spark, plug, bad leaf (reed) valve, compression..

Post back if you're still having issues after above test to rule out ignition/compression problems. Also, if motor passes above drop test, try pulling the choke briefly to see if it'll pick up rpm's at higher throttle setting (would normally flood and die very quickly). You can also pull the fuel line at the carb and open vent and fuel petcock and check flow to carb.. should have a good steady stream of fuel.

Good luck!
 
Joined
Apr 12, 2008
Messages
9
The engine will run at slow speed but when you move the throttle to fast the rpm doesn't increase, I will start with fuel to carb first. When I replaced coils I did cut 1/4 off the wires and reconnected them.
 
Joined
Apr 12, 2008
Messages
9
I have good fuel flow to carb, I removed the bottom bowl of carb and blew it out and replaced it and added new packing on the lower needle and got her to run a lot better. It seems to run pretty well for 5min or so and then the rpms will go down and with a little adjustment on the mixture seems to return better, is this how these old outboards run?
 

Rick.

Captain
Joined
Jul 30, 2006
Messages
3,740
Not really. I'm thinking your still having fuel issues. Clean your carb. spotlessly clean. Once the needles are set right it should run well until your out of fuel without adjustment. Your certain the tank vent is working well? Best of luck. Rick.
 
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