johnson 6hp (old gas?)

[Bob Schultz]

I acquired a 1985 Johson 6 HP. Probably run last 5 years ago. I can get it to turn over (with a lot of effort and some starting fluid), but it will not run. New gas, tank, primer bulb, etc. Gas gets to carb.

 

[MJS]

Re: johnson 6hp (old gas?)

does it have spark?

 

[Vic.S]

Re: johnson 6hp (old gas?)

As said check sparks also check & reset (0.030") plugs but if left with very old fuel in it very likely that the carb needs cleaning.

Don't use starting fluid, it contains no oil! Spray some proper 2 stroke mix in the intake. If you can get it to run briefly by doing that then probably ignition all Ok and carb is the problem.

read the article in the Engine FAQs board* "Awakening a sleeping outboard"

* top one in the "repair and maintenance" index

Correct fuel mix is 50:1 BTW regardless of any decals or manual that says 100:1

 

[Bob Schultz]

Re: johnson 6hp (old gas?)

Thanks. I was concerned about using starting fluid, but thought it worthwhile to turn over motor. I can get it to briefly run so I guess carb rebuild is next.

 

[samo_ott]

Re: johnson 6hp (old gas?)

old fuel will gum up the carb... clean it and put a carb kit in it for $20... should help a lot...

 

[Wee Hooker]

Re: johnson 6hp (old gas?)

x2 what Vic said. You'll likely need a carb rebuild based on what you said but if you can get it to run briefly, you can try running it with 3x dose of seafoam in the new fuel. Just keep starting it and running it untill it gets better. ( Usually 3-4 hours or so.) This is sometimes clears your low speed jet and float &needle valve right on the engine.
FWIW, i have the SAME motor and the carb rebuild was a breeze . Just be sure to soak everything good. Mine runs only 1 week a year on an anual fishing trip to ME. I always run seafoam in teh gas and un it out of fuel after each trip. Never have troubles with it anymore. Great little motor!

 

[tx1961whaler]

Re: johnson 6hp (old gas?)

Here's a thread covering most things that should be looked at on a motor that's been sitting.
http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=158086

 

[Bob Schultz]

Re: johnson 6hp (old gas?)

Thank you everyone for the help and references. Bought a rebuild kit. Any special pitfalls I should be aware of before pieces and parts go flying? I only have a Clymer Shop Manual to go by and it isn't very helpful-but better than nothing.

 

[Bob Schultz]

Re: johnson 6hp (old gas?)

Looks like I was not paying close enough attention to one step. The new spring for the float does not appear to be doing much. Where does the spring go around the pivot -- in the middle or offset to one side. No matter how I try to mount it it does not look or act like it's right.