starter rope not engaging Johnson TD-20 5hp 1947

dancamp009

Seaman
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Jan 13, 2007
Messages
64
Re: starter rope not engaging Johnson TD-20 5hp 1947

my God it actually worked, and it was sooooooo easy. Hey it pays to press on and on and on.
okay, I flipped those tiny little wire springs over and removed that big ugly spring and she works like new. Tomarrwo I will know if she starts. at least I got this far , whoopee!!! here's another picture
IMGP3362b.jpg
 

samo_ott

Vice Admiral
Joined
Jun 18, 2006
Messages
5,125
Re: starter rope not engaging Johnson TD-20 5hp 1947

Hey, I just got 3 of those old TD20's but have not tried to start em yet. And they look just as beat up as yours! Let us know how starting it goes!
 

dancamp009

Seaman
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Jan 13, 2007
Messages
64
Re: starter rope not engaging Johnson TD-20 5hp 1947

whoops, I broke the spring inside the rope starter housing. but I did get the motor to run for a couple seconds before it broke. So I posted a new post with picture requesting info on that spring.
thanks for the interest and help everybody.
 

samo_ott

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Jun 18, 2006
Messages
5,125
Re: starter rope not engaging Johnson TD-20 5hp 1947

Do the TD20's not have a lower cowling? Mine don't either but I assumed they were missing them, but yours doesn't either. is it standard with no lower case?
 

F_R

Supreme Mariner
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Jul 7, 2006
Messages
28,226
Re: starter rope not engaging Johnson TD-20 5hp 1947

It is supposed to have one, but so often get removed and lost down through the years.
 

Scaaty

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May 31, 2004
Messages
5,180
Re: starter rope not engaging Johnson TD-20 5hp 1947

Well, I got the pic link in the 4th post. Toss that middle spring, never saw a spring like that in there. The flywheel and all related spins when running, but nothing on the rope pulley does, so it makes no sense. It will grind away on one or the other I would think. Like I said in your spring thread, watch ebay. They pop up once in a while. And I just sold the last lower cowl I had for those TD/TN's. Still have parts going to ebay, but all my good recoil plates that had good springs are sold too. Your lever springs look (as FR said) a little used and abused. Those are pretty complicated mechanisms, but still work well. Great little motor, keep at it. Watch Ebay for parts. And the coils are notorious for going bad..40 bucks and get new. Good Johnny dealer or even here at IBoats has them. I have some carbs and good points, etc, that will hit ebay too.
 

dancamp009

Seaman
Joined
Jan 13, 2007
Messages
64
Re: starter rope not engaging Johnson TD-20 5hp 1947

Using a guitar string to fabricate the pawl springs worked GREAT. It really cranks now. Only problem is it won't keep running. I'm thinking I better follow somebody's previous advice on another post to check the compression first. Which means I need to buy a compression checker and am shocked at the prices now-a-days ($37.00 and up damn). That's a lot of bucks to find out my engine is worthless. So I'm hittin the hock shops in search of cheaper used compression tester. I'll let you know how it tests when completed.
thanks again to all
 

dancamp009

Seaman
Joined
Jan 13, 2007
Messages
64
Re: starter rope not engaging Johnson TD-20 5hp 1947

Forgot to add that I do have the lower cowling for this engine, just didn't have it attatched when I took the photo.
 

Scaaty

Vice Admiral
Joined
May 31, 2004
Messages
5,180
Re: starter rope not engaging Johnson TD-20 5hp 1947

If it starts, you have compression. Those will run on 60psi. Check for healthy spark, pull the carb apart and see if the float has turned to mush, and if not, clean it out. See if one of the local auto stores will lend you a compression tester. And I have a couple carbs I will be putting on ebay soon. Just search TD/TN carb once a week
 
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