Won't Start

H2Odog

Cadet
Joined
Jun 16, 2002
Messages
27
I need some help here, I have a 96 johnson 50hp remote start motor. Yesterday went out ducking and it was very hard to start. I had the motor up in the tilt position for about 2 weeks. I thought maybe the float stuck or something. Ended up squirting a little gas/mix straight into carbs. Finally fired up after a few minutes. Ran great all the way out. Then I had to tilt the motor up after we got to where we were going. It sat for about 5-6 hours and would not start back up. :mad: Cranked till batt was dead. Ended up having to be towed back in. Looked at it today and took plugs out and turned flywheel manually. Had spark on bottom plug but not top. Both plugs are good, and both wires are good. Any ideas??<br /><br />Thanks in advance
 

H2Odog

Cadet
Joined
Jun 16, 2002
Messages
27
Re: Won't Start

update, I replaced the power pack, and am now getting spark on both cylinders, but it still wont start. It is getting fuel and will burp sometimes like it is about to start. Any ideas?
 

OBJ

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Dec 27, 2002
Messages
10,161
Re: Won't Start

Hey H2O.....make sure the primer bulb pumps up firm. <br /><br />Make sure the red handle on the primer solenoid is facing toward the rear of the solenoid. It could flood out if the handle is off to the side.<br /><br />Are you pushing in on the key to choke and raising the cold start lever? Probably are...never hurts to ask.<br /><br />If it still don't start......<br />Put some pre-mix in a spray bottle and spray some into the carb throat before starting. <br /><br />If it does start.....then carbs may be crudded up.<br /><br />If it don't start....Just for grins...take a compression test on both cylinders. Both should be above 90psi and be within 10 to 15% of each other.<br />Rig a spark tester so that the spark will have to jump a 1/2inch gap. The spark should be a hot blue/white spark.<br /><br />OR.....go to the menu and in the FAQ's, you will see an excellent post by JB on just your problem. He's got it down pat and is a really good troubleshooting guide.<br /><br />And....keep us posted.
 

BKool68

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Oct 14, 2001
Messages
259
Re: Won't Start

Did you accidentily switch your plug wires? Try reversing them.
 

OBJ

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Dec 27, 2002
Messages
10,161
Re: Won't Start

OH don't do that! Sorry BK. Been there once. Check the color code of the Power pack wires to the ignition coils. Blue stripe upper and green stripe lower. Follow the spark plug leads to the plug. Problem is you could do some big time damage if you just "switch wires" and it back fires. Take my way ( the cowards way) out and check the wires before you try and start.
 

H2Odog

Cadet
Joined
Jun 16, 2002
Messages
27
Re: Won't Start

ummm oops, yep had wires switched :rolleyes: I started it up runs fine. Curious though what kind of damage could have been done?
 

BKool68

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Oct 14, 2001
Messages
259
Re: Won't Start

Not sure what damage could be done but I do know you would just keep spending money trying to figure it out. Glad it was so simple for ya.
 

OBJ

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Dec 27, 2002
Messages
10,161
Re: Won't Start

I got the power pack leads backwards on my newly rebuilt 90hp Johnny (in a hurry to go fishin'). First crank and it sounded like a shotgun going off. Blew the head gaskets and caused a small crack in the cylinder sleeve at the exhaust port. I was real lucky it didn't blow the reeds which are Boyesen Power Reeds.....backfires suck!
 
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