1987 Johnson 15 HP Choke Linkage Hanging Up

[Terrapin]

This 1987 has the early carburetor on it, not the later carb with plastic top. My choke linkage occasionally hangs up in the closed position when I push the choke in (no choke position). If I understand correctly, this linkage allows the choke plate to be closed, and if a lever override exists the linkage prevents the choke plate from being jambed into the throat.

Inspecting the situation, it seems I am missing some sort of external retaining ring on the brass linkage shaft. The external retaining ring is no longer available. Would a common E-Ring work?
In addition, it seems the sheared edges on the throttle linkage levers are galling up the brass? shaft.

Any thoughts on this situation? I cleaned the linkage components, should I replace the torsion springs (only one of the two is available at quite a high price), or should I lubricate the linkage with some sort of dry lube that will not attract dirt?

 

[Crosbyman]

any close up picture of the problem

 

[airshot]

Sounds love me something may have been bent....best to show some pics to help us out.

 

[Terrapin]

I will attempt to explain my concern.
The first image below (Choke Closing / image 1) is taken when moving the longer lever arm (moved by linear motion of choke in outboard assembly) to close the choke valve. Note the black plastic piece, on the choke valve shaft (shorter lever arm), stays spring loaded against the longer lever arm during choke valve closing.


Choke Opening / Image 2: However, on occasion, once the choke valve is completely closed and the longer lever arm slightly overrides the closed position, the choke valve shaft gets hung up. Note the black plastic piece on the choke valve shaft (short lever arm) is not spring loaded against the longer lever arm during choke valve opening as it is in picture 1.
Is the torsion spring too weak, should I lubricate the linkage? Possibly, since the "E-Ring" is missing, the longer lever arm appears to be pushed outward toward the shorter lever on the end of the choke valve shaft and there is surface to surface binding/drag (long lever arm against short lever arm)


Any thoughts, questions or comments are appreciated.

 

[Crosbyman]

can you identify the carb's original source engine so an accurate parts look up can be made to compare with what you have. I am afraid this will need to be "locally fixed"... maybe you have a missing spacer washer ??

can't see much from the pics. adding "pointing arrows" on the snag point may help figure this out ! ?

is this the E clip missing ??

 

[Terrapin]

This is a 1987 Johnson 15 HP engine (J15RCUD). Model number confirmed on transom bracket sticker and engine block Welch Plug.

This was a transition year for the carburetor and fuel pump designs. I have the early carb version depicted in your diagram (not the newer carb with plastic top), and the newer five sided (not square) fuel pump. Both of the new components were introduced at some time during the 1987 production year.

Yes, the external retaining ring circled is missing.

 

[Crosbyman]

install any missing parts and see what happens... C clips are sold at good HW stores.

Personally I think you are better off with the older carb...seems the newer plastic tops warp sometimes.

 

[racerone]

The different fuel pump was used on many other motors before 87.-----Those simple pumps are often replaced when nothing really goes wrong with them.-----Other than a new diaphragm one every 15 years or so.

 

[Terrapin]

install any missing parts and see what happens... C clips are sold at good HW stores.

Personally I think you are better off with the older carb...seems the newer plastic tops warp sometimes.

Will do! I ordered these from McMaster Carr.

 

[Terrapin]

The different fuel pump was used on many other motors before 87.-----Those simple pumps are often replaced when nothing really goes wrong with them.-----Other than a new diaphragm one every 15 years or so.

Racerone, yes, since this 1987 is new to me, I successfully rebuilt the fuel pump given the diaphragm may be 38 years old.