1984 Johnson 6hp

[foxtrots]

I just bought an '84 Johnson 6hp/ long shaft (J6RLCRM). Like most used items, it usually takes some work to get them ship-shape.

I've already had to replace the carb. bowl and gaskets. It was leaking fuel because someone overtightened the retaining screws and deformed the bowl.

Have a couple of questions and need advice:

1) What is the correct fuel mixture for this model? Although there is a decal on the engine case just above the fuel intake coupling with the symbol 100/1 I've been told by several people that's much too light a mixture. Any suggestions?

2) When I start the engine, water immediately begins flowing from the tiny discharge hole but it never really warms up, even when the engine has been running for an hour. Plus, there is very little (only a few drops) water coming from the exhaust holes just underneath the cowling. My son has an older 9.9 Evinrude and it seems to push more water out of those exhaust holes. The power head is hot to the touch but I don't know from 'feel' what the proper operating temp. should be. Could this be a thermostat problem? Where is it located?

Thanks.

 

[CATransplant]

Re: 1984 Johnson 6hp

You should run your 6hp at 50:1. OMC changed the specs after having trouble with the 100:1 mixture. Peel that label right off, so you don't forget.

If you're getting a good flow from the little indicator tube, it is possible that the thermostat isn't working properly. After the engine is warmed up, you should be able to put your fingers on the cylinder for a few seconds. If it's hotter than that, then pull the thermostat and check it.

I'm not exactly sure how much water is supposed to come out of that relief hole, but if it's less than on your son's similar engine, I'd start checking. If you don't know when the impeller was replaced, you should start there, by replacing the impeller now.