Still having trouble starting Johnson 60hp

rangerbobby

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May 15, 2006
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9
Hi everyone. I posted a few weeks ago regarding what seemed to be a fuel pump issue. I have a 1988 60 hp Johnson, that would not stay running. One of the forum members had me keep the key primer pressed while the engine was running, to see if it kept going...It did, which he thought sounded like a fuel pump. I purchased a replacement, and installed, along with new plugs. Now I can't get the motor started. <br />Any ideas??<br />Thanks.
 

tashasdaddy

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Nov 11, 2005
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51,019
Re: Still having trouble starting Johnson 60hp

do you have good spark, are the plugs wet or dry after trying to start. what have you done to the carbs, anything?
 

rangerbobby

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May 15, 2006
Messages
9
Re: Still having trouble starting Johnson 60hp

I put new plugs in, but did not check them; Am I looking for moisture on the end that is screwed in?<br />As far as carbs, nothing.<br />Thanks.
 

tashasdaddy

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Nov 11, 2005
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51,019
Re: Still having trouble starting Johnson 60hp

yes, it needs 3 things to run compression, proper spark, and proper fuel/air mixture. if you have compression and spark, then it must be fuel.. are the plugs wet with gas, after trying to start. does it spit, sputter or even try to start?
 

OBJ

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Dec 27, 2002
Messages
10,161
Re: Still having trouble starting Johnson 60hp

Holding the choke in to keep the engine running really sounds like a fouled carb problem. Your engine has a primer solenoid which takes the place of the choke plate. Depressing the key activates the primer solenoid to shoot fuel into the reed plates at the back of the carbs. In order for the primer to work, you must have fuel from the fuel pump. This pretty much says the pump is good but the carbs are fouled.<br /><br />Has it been a while since the engine has been run...I'm taking for granted the engine is new to you?
 

rangerbobby

Cadet
Joined
May 15, 2006
Messages
9
Re: Still having trouble starting Johnson 60hp

Actually, I have had the motor about 3 years, and it was running great, until a few weeks ago. I replaced the fuel pump and spark plugs as a first step to trouble shooting, because I thought it looked like a fuel problem.
 

ob

Admiral
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Aug 16, 2002
Messages
6,992
Re: Still having trouble starting Johnson 60hp

Follow what OBJ said.If holding in the primer switch allows the engine to continue to run where otherwise it would stall is indicative of a carburetor restriction.The only way to service them correctly is by removing and dismantling to perform a thorough cleaning of all orifices and passages.
 
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