88 hp Johnson

[chrisausti]

I'm having a problem with keeping the motor running. I have replaced the tanks and bulbs and brand new gas. The motor will start but i must constantly push in on the key choke or it will die. I don't hold the button in but every 2 seconds give it a push. This is a 89motor and doesn't have very many hours on it. I also replaced spark plugs. I would appreciate any help. Thanks

 

[Dhadley]

Re: 88 hp Johnson

Welcome!!<br /><br />The key to the answer may be in your question. A 1989 motor with very few hours would lead us to think about the carbs. Start with a good carb bath and new OE kits. I'd bet you'll be fine.

 

[rabidfish]

Re: 88 hp Johnson

Could not have said it better!

 

[rodbolt]

Re: 88 hp Johnson

bout right<br /> no hours usually equals no maint which usually equals a dead motor.

 

[chrisausti]

Re: 88 hp Johnson

Thanks for the quick response. Is this something i should attempt or should i leave it to a prof?<br />I am mechanicaly inclined but carbs make me nervous. To many little parts.

 

[rodbolt]

Re: 88 hp Johnson

carbs on that motor are simple.<br /> if it has plastic fuel bowls be aware they tend to warp and cause flooding issues

 

[ledgefinder]

Re: 88 hp Johnson

After you clean the carbs....<br /><br />The bowls have drains on them. At the end of the season, pull the drain screws on one side (one screw on each of the two carbs), then move the boat & trailer so that they're tilted down on that side. That'll let the bowls drain well, & you won't have this problem again.

 

[Muddy Paws]

Re: 88 hp Johnson

I'm getting ready to do the same job on a 90.<br /><br />What carb cleaner do you guys use for an overnight soak?<br /><br />Thanks!

 

[JB]

Re: 88 hp Johnson

GET A REPAIR MANUAL FIRST!<br /><br /> http://www.boatmotors.com/manuals.html

 

[rodbolt]

Re: 88 hp Johnson

do not soak jonnyrude carbs<br /> bad things may happen<br /> use a spray cleaner.<br /> usaually when I am not going to run mine I remove a drain on each carb on the same side tilt the motor up and turn it so the drains are down. no fuel equals no chance of gum.<br />GET A REPAIR MANUAL FIRST!<br /> excellent advice

 

[Marc J.]

Re: 88 hp Johnson

I'll be doing my first carb rebuild soon also. My old boat is waiting in line patiently behind my "new" Fish&Ski. The link & sync procedure is a little over my head, so I'll be paying close attention to the linkage so that I don't foul it up. I bought an air compressor with a blowgun tip just for the job. I'm not trying to hi-jack this thread, just passing on some concerns/tips to the fellow students here. <br />P.S. We've got an all-star cast in on this one! You guys are great.

 

[marinemech1]

Re: 88 hp Johnson

i use engine tuner to clean carbs seems to work really good cleans up the brass parts back to original and does seem to harm carb bodies

 

[chrisausti]

Re: 88 hp Johnson

update: thanks for all the info. i cleaned both carbs and blew them out with air and one was quite dirty from old fuel. I unfortunatly still have a problem. If i turn the auto choke to manual and barely raise the choke lever1/4 inch the motor will stay running fine. If a turn the auto choke to auto it cuts off. Is it possible that it could be an adjustment off? If i stand at the motor and turn it to auto i can keep it running with the throttle.

 

[chrisausti]

Re: 88 hp Johnson

2nd update. after receiving a new carb kit i tore them down again. This time following the instructions i had completly missed the idle jets. They were coverd in green gunk. Cleaned and replaced and motor fired on first try. Thanks for all the help on this post and a few others. Had i Listened and Bought a manual, i would have saved quite a bit of time. I learned a real good lesson and thanks again for all the help.