Re: Johnson Pre Run Question
The only other thing I would suggest you do BEFORE heading out on the water is changing the impeller (water pump). Since they are made of rubber, they tend to get brittle and breakup over time. As a general maintenance procedure, most recommend that it be changed every couple of years. If it breaks up while you are running and the motor overheats, you will become the proud owner of a boat with a several hundred pound anchor attached to the back.<br /><br />If the motor hasn't been started in that couple years it has been sitting, I would pull the plugs, put a bit of oil in plug hole and turn the flywheel by hand a few times before reinserting the plugs. If a ring is slightly frozen, better to gently work it loose rather than break it.<br /><br />After your first run I would check the lower unit lube to make sure there is not water present. If not then you are good to go for the season, If there is, then you've got some work ahead of you do seal up the lower unit.<br /><br />I guess the other thing you may wish to do is overhaul the carbs. Depending on how diligent the person who "put away" the motor was, the carbs could be fine or they could be totally gummed up with varnish from old, untreated gas being left in them. You'll know for sure once you get on the water. If you are having problems keeping the motor going or accelerating, I'd look at the carbs first.<br /><br />Good luck and enjoy the first run!
