1966 Johnson CD-23E 6hp Project

[tidefaneric]

I recently purchased a 1966 Johnson CD-23E 6hp as a project. It is not running. The carb was nasty so I am rebuilding it. Before I took the carb off I tried starting the engine with some fuel in the cylinders. It would not even kick off. It seems like I am getting good spark. Do I need to check the reed valves? Is there anything else I need to check or replace? The cylinders have good compression and I am replacing the water pump impeller.

 

[CATransplant]

Re: 1966 Johnson CD-23E 6hp Project

What makes it seem like it has good spark? How did you check? Also, the only way to really check the compression is with a compression guage. Those little 6hp engines pull through pretty easily, so it's almost impossible to guess at the compression.

On that older model, if it still has the original coils, it's very likely that they are defunct. New coils aren't all that expensive, and you can replace the points and condensers at the same time, while the flywheel's off.

Finally, putting gas in the cylinders isn't the best plan. It's pretty easy to get way too much in there, causing a really rich condition, which may cause the engine not to fire. It's better to spray premixed fuel into the carburetor. You'll get a better test that way.

In any case, since you're rebuilding the carb, you should be fine on that count before you try again. I wouldn't worry about the reeds. That's an unlikely cause of not starting.

 

[tidefaneric]

Re: 1966 Johnson CD-23E 6hp Project

I did not check the compression with a gauge. I looked at the cylinders and they are clean. I will check it with a gauge. The coils look new. The points are clean and spaced correctly. I checked for spark by pulling the plugs and letting them arc to the block. On further inspection I found that the plug wires are worn and pinched at the metal bracket that holds them down. When I checked for spark I had them out of the bracket. I can see the wire and I am almost certain it was shorted on the block. I am going to replace the spark plugs and wires. I am also going to put a new head gasket on. I will post back when I check for compression with a gauge.

The carburetor was nasty. It had a cork float and there were little pieces of cork blocking all the passages up. No fuel was getting through. I broke a screw off when I was removing one of the butterfly valves. I was able to drill it out and I think I can get it back together.

Thank you for your help!

 

[F_R]

Re: 1966 Johnson CD-23E 6hp Project

For anybody else reading this, let this be a lesson to you. Do not try to remove the butterfly valves. The screws are mashed over and won't come out without destroying the shaft.

 

[CATransplant]

Re: 1966 Johnson CD-23E 6hp Project

For anybody else reading this, let this be a lesson to you. Do not try to remove the butterfly valves. The screws are mashed over and won't come out without destroying the shaft.

Ditto that. There's no reason on earth to remove the butterflies. Nothing about them is affected by cleaning and all they do is control the amount of air going through the venturi of the carburetor.

 

[tidefaneric]

Re: 1966 Johnson CD-23E 6hp Project

Yeah I agree. I was able to get it threaded and it will go back together properly. I put the stripped carburetor in an ultrasonic cleaning machine. I took the butterfly valves out because a mechanic where I work told me he put a carburetor in there and it dissolved them. He forgot about his carburetor and left it in there all weekend. I left mine in for 3 hours and it looks new. If I had it to do over again I would not have removed the butterfly valves. I had to drill out the shaft, retap it, and find new screws that will fit. This has been a lesson to me.

 

[tidefaneric]

Re: 1966 Johnson CD-23E 6hp Project

This motor runs perfectly, idles smooth, and starts with one pull. Thanks for the help!

 

[CATransplant]

Re: 1966 Johnson CD-23E 6hp Project

Good deal! I'm glad it worked out so well, and thanks very much for reporting back!