57 Johnson 18 HP Start/Carb Problem

[mysticgman]

I have a 1957 Johnson 18hp fde-11 Model outboard. I've been working on it for a while now & having starting problems, possible carb. This is what I have done: new plugs,new carb kit, cleaned carb very thoroughly, float is horizontal when inverted, needles have been set {3/4 out, 1 1/2 out}, checkpoints are good and properly gapped. When trying to start, it will sneeze once or twice and then that is it! When I push the choke in, gas gushes out in front of carb almost as if it is allowing too much fuel into the carb. Motor has great compression & excellent spark. So why isn't it starting to burn off the excess gas coming into the carb?
Also, I have heard that I should replace the coils is this true? Do they go bad easily? If so, where is the least expensive place to get new coils?
Please help I'm in dire need of "GOING FISHING" !!

 

[lyncraft_mechanic]

Re: 57 Johnson 18 HP Start/Carb Problem

If you have gas pouring out of the carb you will need to rebuild the carb because the needle is not seating properly either due to a fuel logged float or a bad seat. as far as the coils it depends on whether or not you are getting spark or not, if you have good spark leave them alone. you should be able to check thier condition by removing the recoil, there should be a inspection cover on the flywheel you can remove to get a look at the coils and points.

 

[jbjennings]

Re: 57 Johnson 18 HP Start/Carb Problem

first, the fast and slow needle adjustments are just starting points. If you go to the FAQ section, you'll see Joe Reeves' carb setting instructions. He's a real expert and it works every time if the carb is clean.
If it is coughing it sounds like you may need to open the slow needle up a little by turning it counterclockwise. Get it running and open up the slow needle til it begins to get sluggish. then screw it in very slowly, a little at a time, pausing every time you turn it until it begins to lean out and the idle will go up hig. On second thought, just do what Joe says in the FAQ section.
As for the high speed, it needs adjusting on the water while running wide open. Just open it up about 1 and a half turns and tighten slowly until you hit the "sweet" spot where it runs the fastest.

Yes, the coils are goners if they're original. Bad coils are also notorious for mimicing carb problems and if they're original then it's likely that is your problem and NOT the carb.
The coils now are very reliable, but the ones back in the day have a 100% failure rate. If they're original, replace 'em even if they're good.

Coils shouldn't be more than 25 bucks apiece. You can get 'em here at iboats I believe, for a fair price. Old part number is 580118. I'm not sure what the new one is but don't worry, someone will post it quickly for you.
That is one of if not the finest motor there is to me. Especially since your's is the electric start model. I'm jealous!
Good luck,
JBJ

 

[mysticgman]

Re: 57 Johnson 18 HP Start/Carb Problem

thanks jennings but how do I get to the faq? I put joe reeves and carb setting instructions in the search box and nothing comes up?

 

[jbjennings]

Re: 57 Johnson 18 HP Start/Carb Problem

http://http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=167352

There's the link. It's 6th from the bottom if you do a "forum jump" and go to Frequently asked questions (FAQ's), then go to the 6th title from the bottom.
the one you need it the 2nd set of instructions since you have 2 adjustment needles.

Sometimes it seems like you have good spark, but it's best to see if it will jump at least a 1/4 inch air gap. If not, it's not good enough. I only mention it because it's such a common prob. and easily mistaken for a carb. problem.
Good luck,
JBJ

 

[mysticgman]

Re: 57 Johnson 18 HP Start/Carb Problem

Thanks again jbj, I found the carb settings from Joe Reeves. Now where would I find the puller (to buy) to remove the inspection cover to change the coils? Any suggestions?

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: 57 Johnson 18 HP Start/Carb Problem

You can get a harmonic balancer puller at any auto parts store or places like Harbor Freight for less than $20. Be sure and use hardened bolts with the puller, check a hardware store, or you might strip the threaded holes in the top of the flywheel.

 

[mysticgman]

Re: 57 Johnson 18 HP Start/Carb Problem

Does anyone know the part # for the coils for this motor? I would like to change the coils since I will be working on it any way.

 

[Sea18Horse]

Re: 57 Johnson 18 HP Start/Carb Problem

Coils, sierra # 18-5181
points, sierra # 18-5156
condensers sierra # 18-5199

You can get them right here at iboats. Or at any Napa store. Also any Car Quest store.

Don't forget to get you some new spark plug wires while you're at it. Copper (or metal) core wire only. New plug boots too if they're questionable. While you've got the flywheel off it doesn't pay to go half way.

Cheers..................Todd

 

[xsubdoc]

Re: 57 Johnson 18 HP Start/Carb Problem

http://http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=167352

There's the link. It's 6th from the bottom if you do a "forum jump" and go to Frequently asked questions (FAQ's), then go to the 6th title from the bottom.
the one you need it the 2nd set of instructions since you have 2 adjustment needles.

Sometimes it seems like you have good spark, but it's best to see if it will jump at least a 1/4 inch air gap. If not, it's not good enough. I only mention it because it's such a common prob. and easily mistaken for a carb. problem.
Good luck,
JBJ

can not find above link noy avalable anybody have up todate or corrected one

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: 57 Johnson 18 HP Start/Carb Problem

Just remove one of the HTTP's
http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=167352