Motor still doesn't work...please help!

[jazlien]

I have a 5 1/2 johnson sea horse that hasn't been used for 3 years. Converted pressurized tank into a fuel pump. We had it running and now it quit. We put in a new carb kit. What else do we need to do to get it running?

 

[F_R]

Re: Motor still doesn't work...please help!

Did you check the ignition? Those coils are notorious for cracking with age.

 

[freddyray21]

Re: Motor still doesn't work...please help!

you need three things for it to run. Spark, fuel and compression and at the same time. Check all three. As FR already said those are bad about coils. Your's might have sparked enough to get it running then quit.

 

[jazlien]

Re: Motor still doesn't work...please help!

you need three things for it to run. Spark, fuel and compression and at the same time. Check all three. As FR already said those are bad about coils. Your's might have sparked enough to get it running then quit.

Are the coils hard to replace? My boyfriend seems to think the problem is with not getting enough pressure for gas to flow through. I'll try to convince him to check the coils. He's stubborn. Also is there a certain gap that is needed for the spark plugs? Thank you.

 

[jbjennings]

Re: Motor still doesn't work...please help!

The FIRST thing I do when trying to get one running is pull the flywheel and piddle with it until I get good spark. Almost always they need a coil or two, as F-R taught me. They're easy to change. You just need a 10 dollar flywheel puller from the auto parts store turned with the flat side up (you'll have to take the main bolt out and screw it in from the other direction) and 3 HARDENED grade 5 or better 1/4-20 threads. Getting spark by grounding the plugs on the block is not a good indication of spark, and I've found that to be down-right misleading. The spark needs to be able to jump at least a 1/4inch gap. Usually when you pull the flywheel, the coils will be obviously bad! And the points usually need a good cleaning, too. Once you get good spark, they'll usually fire right up, even with a dirty carb. And you should replace the water pump impeller before you ever crank it since it's been sitting for a while without being used since they take a set and don't pump enough water which may cause your motor to overheat. BTW, I believe the points are set at .020 and the plugs are .030.
Good luck with the boyfriend---I mean.. the motor,
JBJ

 

[bigpoppakdog]

Re: Motor still doesn't work...please help!

electrical problems are often mistaken for fuel issues.

 

[R.Johnson]

Re: Motor still doesn't work...please help!

I constantly here of a cheap puller to get a flywheel off, what's the cheap way to get it back on?

 

[jbjennings]

Re: Motor still doesn't work...please help!

I just toss it back on the crankshaft and set my forearm to 42.500 ft.-lbs. and use a 3/4 end wrench to tighten the flywheel nut until my 42.5ft.-lb tendon twitches.
Hopefully her boyfriend has a torque wrench?!
Seriously, what's the problem with the cheap harmonic balancer puller? I've never had a problem.... but don't want to!
JBJ

 

[david_r]

Re: Motor still doesn't work...please help!

to jbjennings- im an auto mechanic and i can tell you cheap pullers come with cheap bolts!

once you strip a few holes or break off a couple of those cheap bolts youll find that if you buy a good one it will save a lot of headaches.

but for a one time use it probably wouldnt be very economic.

jazlien, if you think fuel flow ,have you tried pumpin the primer bulb or puttin some gas in a squirt bottle to prime it?

 

[david_r]

Re: Motor still doesn't work...please help!

i also forgot to mention that if you've fouled the plug too bad sometimes you cant clean them enough to get a good spark.

its a problem my son has a lot with his dirt bike, i keep extras in the shed cause he like to pump the throttle when he starts it.

i also keep extras for my boat motors in my boat tool box, it never hurts to have spare parts when your on the water!